GUANGZHOU, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- China defeated Uruguay 83-78 in a warm-up game on Thursday in Shunde, Foshan, with 11 players getting on the scoresheet.
Hu Mingxuan and Cheng Shuaipeng, who had been sidelined by injuries, returned to China's lineup, while NCAA-based forward Wang Junjie, who recently rejoined the national team's training camp, was also named in the 12-man squad. Uruguay, meanwhile, brought a squad largely based on its FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas qualifiers roster.
China made a fast start, with He Xining scoring the team's first six points, including a four-point play and a fast-break layup. Jiao Boqiao was also efficient, making all three of his first-half shots for seven points. Uruguay responded with crisp ball movement and smart off-ball movement, repeatedly scoring through pick-and-rolls and cuts to keep the game close at halftime.
Both teams struggled offensively after the break. Uruguay found it difficult to adjust to China's increased defensive pressure and was forced into several hurried shots. China took a six-point lead into the final quarter after Wang Junjie and Jiao repeatedly attacked the rim late in the third.
Guard Pang Zhenglin sparked China in the fourth quarter, first making a steal that led to Zhu Junlong's corner three before finding He with a quick pass in transition for a layup, extending China's lead to double digits. Uruguay attempted a late comeback, but foul trouble prevented it from seriously threatening China.
Uruguay committed 30 fouls in the game, compared with 16 by China.
China's head coach Guo Shiqiang said the game was valuable preparation for his team, noting that Uruguay's disciplined ball movement and offensive coordination posed a significant test for China's defense.
"Such a team poses a very big test to our defensive patience and concentration. Of course, no matter what kind of (style) opponent we face, we have to control our own pace and focus on ourselves. If we do that, our chances of winning will be very high," Guo said.
He led China with 17 points, while Hu Jinqiu added 12 points and five rebounds. For Uruguay, Nicola Pomoli scored 15 points and Martin Rojas added 14.
China will face Uruguay again on Saturday. ■
