BENGALURU (India) - As the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read China 70, Australia 69. Wang Siyu had stolen the ball out of the hands of Katie Ebzery, snuffing Australia of a potential game-winning play.

Now, it was time for celebration.

“I felt excited and happy,” described Wang of her feelings at the end of the game. “Releasing of all power and whatever all good feelings.”

(Wang Siyu embracing game-winning shot maker Shao Ting)

The final few seconds of China’s classic clash against Australia was a whirlwind of twists and turns, testing the mental toughness of both teams. Despite the immense pressure, China pulled through and Wang was able to properly celebrate.

“I told myself be concentrate, be confident, and be decisive,” said Wang of what was going through her mind in the last plays.

The 23-year-old guard had a good reason to feel good about her performance in this particular game. The last she faced Australia was at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018 where she put up only 2 points on one shot attempt in 17 minutes of play. She was heading into the encounter at the Asia Cup with only 3 points in total on 1-9 shooting from the field. There were reasons for Wang Siyu to have her doubts coming in, but she wouldn’t let them creep in.

“Actually, we knew that we might not really be competitive to beat Australia since Australia is the silver medal team. But one day before the game, a veteran sent me an encourage messege that one can be austere if they have no selfish desires,” Wang revealed.

“Since I didn't play well in the first two games, this tough game could be a good chance to adjust myself and it means a way for me growing up.”

Wang ended up with a game-high 18 points, including a crucial 13-explosion in the first half that set the tempo for China for the rest of the game.

It was not only Wang herself that had something to prove. China had lost in consecutive times to Australia recently, including 2 exhibition games during training camp aside from the World Cup contest. China did their homework with every loss and it eventually paid off.

“We lost all 3 [previous] games with Australia but we reviewed after each game for our disadvantages when facing strong teams,”Wang said. “That is a good way for improve. We lost to a strong team but we must play even more against them.”

“It’s like if there is a wound and you always cover it, it will become worse. You need to use proper medicine to heal the wound. It might be painful but will be useful for recovery.”

It turns out that there was just enough “medicine” for China to recover from their previous losses to finally take down the Opals. The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup is still not over and China still has more work to do to get the ultimate prize, but this was a historic win that Wang hopes can inspire others.

“I highly appreciate all the fans who pay attention to the China Women's Team and thank them for their support,” Wang said. “Although this kind of win might not happen quite often, but we are confident that it will be normal in the future. I hope all of the younger generation will know how to face problems with good spirit and attitude. Being brave is quite important.”

FIBA