Zhu Mingzhen (L) of China goes up for a lay-up during the basketball men's preliminary round group A match against Lithuania at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)
After back-to-back defeats to Brazil and Lithuania, China failed to survive the group in men's basketball at the Chengdu Universiade.
CHENGDU, July 30 (Xinhua) -- In the men's basketball preliminary round Group A at the Chengdu Universiade, China fell to Lithuania, 79-67, on Sunday.
After a narrow defeat to Brazil, China's second preliminary-round game unfolded at Fenghuangshan Sports Park Gymnasium.
Facing off against Lithuania, a team whose average age exceeded theirs by 0.8 years, the Chinese side found themselves 18 points down by the close of the second quarter. However, under the leadership of Zou Yang, who made several successful drives to the paint, China mounted an impressive comeback in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to 13 points.
The host team, hampered by fouls and physical fatigue, could not maintain their earlier momentum into the fourth quarter, ultimately succumbing to a 79-67 loss.
Zou was a key contributor to China's efforts, netting five of six attempts for a team-high 15 points, with Gao Guohao and Wang Lanqin chipping in 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Chen Guohao (L) of China in action during the match. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)
For Lithuania, Paulius Danusevicius led the charge with a game-high 16 points in his less than 22-minute appearance, while Vitalijus Kozys tallied six points and secured 13 rebounds.
Lithuania and Brazil, both boasting two wins, have locked in their spots for the elimination round. China and Chinese Taipei, both yet to secure a victory, have been eliminated.
China is scheduled to face Chinese Taipei on July 31. ■
