BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - With superior size and depth, China are expected to power their way past underdogs Syria and into the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 Quarter-Finals.

China have underwhelmed so far in this tournament, losing to the Philippines on Day 2 and nearly blowing it against Iraq on Day 6. Despite that, they are still the overwhelming favorites to make it to the Quarter-Finals against Syria, but they would do well not to overlook the returning WABA team, which looked dangerous in their stirring come-from-behind win over India.

Key Matchup: For sure, the matchup of the two star guards - Guo Ailun and Micheal Madanly - will be the one to watch here. Guo is one of the competition's leading scorers, and he has shown that he can carry this team on his shoulders just like what he did in the fourth quarter of their big win over the Iraqis. Madanly, meanwhile, remains one of the focal points of Syria's offense, and his experience will be invaluable at this stage of the tournament. Needless to say, both players' production will be critical for their respective teams' fates in this matchup.

Key Stats: Inside play has been terribly inconsistent for the Chinese despite being the biggest team here in Beirut. Big men Han Dejun and Hu Jinqiu haven't really significantly made their presence felt, and they will have their hands full here against Syria's naturalized center Ivan Todorovic, who exploded for 23 points and 14 rebounds in their last game. If China let's Todorovic have his way in the paint, that may prove to be the difference between advancing to the top 8 or getting the boot.

FIBA