China defeated Iran and ran a 7-game winning streak.
China won 86-74 against Iran in the second round of the 2023 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Basketball World Cup Asian qualifier held at Tsuen Wan Stadium in Hong Kong on the 26th.
Four people, including Wu Qian (18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists) and Zhao Jiwei (12 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists), scored double digits. A 43-34 lead in the rebound fight was key. After winning 7 consecutive wins,스포츠토토 China maintained second place in Group F (10 wins, 2 losses).
On the other hand, Iran’s Behnam Yahjali (28 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) and Arsalan Kazemi (11 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists) stood out, but were pushed back and lost in a high battle. With the defeat on this day, they fell into a two-game losing streak (6 wins, 6 losses).
After trailing 45-48 in the first half, China launched a counterattack in the second half. Cui Yongshi made a dunk after a 3-point shot, and Zhao Jiwei hit an outside shot. Iran fought back with Yahjali and Sajid Masayekhi, but this time Zhang Jianlin and Wuqian scored. At the end of the third quarter, the score was 61-58, China’s lead.
The atmosphere in China continued in the fourth quarter. Wuqian’s 3-point shot broke the rim, and Zhao Jiwei laid up a layup. China showed concentration in defense and blocked Iran’s attacks one after another. Afterwards, Zhao Bochao’s dunk shot drove a wedge, and he enjoyed the joy of victory without letting go of the reins until the end.
Meanwhile, in the previous match, Australia defeated Kazakhstan 98-53. Japan also won 95-72 against Bahrain. Naturalized players Joshua Hawkinson (22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists) and Yuki Kawamura (13 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists) played a big role.
▼ 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Preliminary Round 2 Match Results
Australia 98-53 Kazakhstan
China 86-74 Iran
Japan 95-72 Bahrain