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Published: 10:17, September 30, 2022 | Updated: 18:41, September 30, 2022
China reaches Women's Basketball World Cup semifinals
By Xinhua
Published:10:17, September 30, 2022 Updated:18:41, September 30, 2022 By Xinhua

Yang Liwei (right) of China goes for a lay-up during the quaterfinal match between China and France at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney, Australia, on Sept 29, 2022. (HU JINGCHEN / XINHUA)

SYDNEY - China got past France 85-71 in Sydney on Thursday to advance to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup semifinals for the first time in almost three decades.

Five Chinese players hit double digits in scoring, led by Li Meng's 23 points. Huang Sijing helped with 18.

The last time China reached the same stage was in 1994 when they finished runners-up at the formerly known FIBA World Championship for Women

The last time China reached the same stage was in 1994 when they finished runners-up at the formerly known FIBA World Championship for Women.

China has lost each of its previous three quarterfinal games at the quadrennial tournament, in 2002, 2014 and 2018, while showing its determination to shatter this unfriendly record from the start in Thursday's game.

"We need to get the better of ourselves in this game, as we have been at this stage (the quarterfinals) a few times, but we didn't make it. It is very difficult to get over it. So we are all desperate to win today, and everyone played very well," said China's head coach Zheng Wei.

Yang Liwei (left) of China goes for a lay-up during the quarterfinals match between China and France at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney, Australia, on Sept 29, 2022. (HU JINGCHEN / XINHUA)

After athletic Gabby Williams helped France race to a 12-6 lead, China responded with an 18-3 surge to turn the tides, with Li Meng contributing 12 points down the stretch. France scored five late points, including Mamignan Toure's buzzer-beating 3-pointer, to tie the first quarter at 25-25.

But China kept imposing pressure on opponents in the second quarter with six points in a row en route to a 50-39 halftime margin. The whole team tuned up with a perfect collaboration following consecutive baskets made by top performer Huang, who scored 12 points, three rebounds, four assists and hit 67 percent from the field by halftime.

France rode on a 12-2 scoring run to trim the deficit to one point midway through the third quarter, but China steadied themselves through Han Xu's three-point play and Li Yuan continued her scoring output after coming off the bench, helping China lead 66-58 heading into the final frame.

ALSO READ: China faces France in quarters at Women's Basketball WCup

Han Xu (Top) of China goes for a lay-up during the quarterfinal match between China and France at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney, Australia, on Sept 29, 2022. (HU JINGCHEN / XINHUA)

Han continued to be unstoppable in the paint in the last period, and China effectively sealed the victory as Huang buried a 3-pointer with 1:26 to play.

"We had ups and downs at the beginning, but that would not last for the whole game. The coach told us to stick to our style throughout the game, so we gradually started to play at our own pace later on," said Huang.

READ MORE: China surges to victory over Colombia at volleyball worlds

Li Yueru (left) of China gestures during the quarterfinals match between China and France at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney, Australia, on Sept 29, 2022. (HU JINGCHEN / XINHUA)

Zheng said that Sydney, where China won the silver medal in the 1994 edition of the tournament, is a "blessed land" for the team, and it feels great to play here as fans gave the team a lot of motivation.

"So long as we have been at this stage, we will try to play better in the following games," she said.

China will vie for a final berth on Friday against hosts Australia, who defeated Belgium 86-69 later on Thursday. 


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