JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – China powered past a determined Korea, 79-71, in the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 on Thursday at the King Abdullah Sports City to extend their unbeaten run and secure a place in the last four.
China's frontline of Hu Jinqiu and Wang Junjie led the charge for the East Asian giants, combining for 44 points in a performance that blended size, skill and poise under pressure. The win moved China to 4-0 in the tournament, while ending Korea’s spirited campaign at 3-2.
Hu was a force in the paint, finishing with 23 points on 11-of-15 shooting alongside 11 rebounds and a block. Wang complemented him with 21 points and 8 rebounds, mixing interior finishes with timely three-pointers. Zhao Rui and Zhu Junlong chipped in key baskets, while Cheng Shuaipeng’s late free throws sealed the result.
"Both teams delivered a wonderful game for the fans. It was a team win, I give credit to my guys," said China coach Guo Shiquiang. "They executed the game plan and kept talking in the game. Today, we did a good job in carrying out the defensive strategy. We did a great job to limit their transition and three-point shooting. We played offense and defense together. This win helps us earn respect from all over China."
Korea found their main weapon in Lee Hyunjung, who delivered 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, keeping his side in the hunt with clutch shooting and strong drives. Ha Yungi added steady production inside, while Yeo Junseok brought energy off the bench.
The opening quarter set the tone for a hard-fought contest, with neither side gaining more than a few points of separation. China edged ahead 25-24 at the buzzer thanks to Liao Sanning’s late drive. From there, the second quarter proved decisive: Yu Jiahao’s presence down low and Zhu Junlong’s triple sparked a 21-11 run, capped by Wang’s deep three to build a 46-35 halftime lead.
China’s inside dominance carried over after the break, with Hu hitting midrange jumpers and putbacks as the lead swelled to 18. Korea, however, refused to fold. Lee and Ha chipped away, trimming the deficit to single digits heading into the final frame.
In the fourth, Korea’s pressure brought them within six points with just over a minute to play, but China found answers at every turn. Hu’s baskets inside, Cheng’s cool shooting at the stripe and Liao’s step-back jumper in the final minute kept the result safe.
For China, the victory means another step toward reclaiming the FIBA Asia Cup crown, with a Semi-Finals date now awaiting them against the victor between New Zealand and Lebanon.
Korea, meanwhile, bow out after a commendable run that reinforced their reputation as title threats.
"It's unfortunate that our journey ends today. We weren't able to overcome their height and switching defense. We should have done a better job to free up our shooters," Korea coach Joon HoAn said. "Even if ur journey ends, we will still fight on, move forward, always rise up to the challenge and compete with the best."
With momentum still firmly on their side, China’s "Great Wall" now stands just two wins away from gold in Jeddah.
FIBA