SHENZHEN (China) - China salvaged a bronze-medal finish in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 following a masterful 101-66 conquest of Korea in a mighty display of pride, Sunday at the Shenzhen Sports Center.
Still stung by that loss to Japan in the Semi-Finals barely 24 hours ago that ended their reign as champs, the hosts roared to a 31-14 start behind a near-flawless execution on offense to set the pace for the rout.
Team Dragon showed no let-up whatsoever and went on to secure third place, ensuring as well that the proud program continues to stand on the podium for the 13th time in a row - a streak that dates back to 2001.
It is the Chinese' first bronze since 2017 in India, and this accomplishment should still serve as a consolation after witnessing their bid of building another reign get spoiled by one of their biggest basketball rivals.
"We've just finished our last Asia Cup game and we ended up in third place. With longer preparation for the Olympics, this is just like a quiz. And I think with this result, we passed it," said Coach Gong Luming.
"Throughout this Asia Cup, we learned a great deal from our opponents, too," he added. "From Japan, South Korea, Australia, and all these teams, they have good tactics, strategy, and personal skill. We can learn from them."
Wang Siyu top-scored for China with 19 points, alongside 7 rebounds and 7 assists for an efficiency of 29. Teen sensation Zhang Ziyu delivered 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Han Xu produced 16 points and 6 rebounds.
Luo Xinyu made 15 points, with Yang Liwei adding 14 points as a total of five players finished in twin digits in the victory big thanks to their 27 assists - unselfishness that led to a 54.29-percent clip from the floor.
Luo kick-started their fiery opener as she scored eight in a 13-2 assault. But it was really the presence of Zhang and Han that spelled the difference, which enabled the continental powerhouse to break away permanently.
Just as when the Koreans were responding well to the zone defense, the coaches brought in Han to form a twin tower combo with the 2.20 M (7'3") youngster, a ploy which the opposition struggled to find solutions to.
Besides ruling the boards and the shaded lane much easier with the tandem, the defense also could not keep up as the guards ran circles given the kind of spacing - and gaps, too - that their frontline was creating.
As a result, Wang and Yang Liwei manufactured a 14-0 run for a 29-10 lead entering the opening period's final minute. The crew then breached the 30-point mark just before the buzzer rang - and with a 17-point cushion.
In that first-quarter explosion, Team China nailed 11 of their 14 attempts from the field, including a perfect 4-for-4 clip from beyond the arc. They did not miss a single free throw as well after going 5-for-5.
"Like Coach Gong mentioned, we have also learned a great deal from this tournament," Yang said.
"Like tonight, after yesterday's loss, we tried to make quick adjustments and we managed to present our new look, and our national team spirit. And I think we did well on that matter," she furthered.
Park Jisu, meanwhile, had 14 points on 19 shots to lead Korea. Heo Yeeun had 11 points and 6 assists, while Choi Isaem chipped in 10 in the defeat that prolonged the country's wait for a medal to a decade now.
The last time Team Korea finished within the podium was in 2015 in Wuhan, where they won bronze.
FIBA