China won the women’s bronze medal game against Lithuania 21-11. China capped off a thrilling finish to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3×3 World Cup in Antwerp, Belgium.
It was a dreadfully one-sided contest that highlights the fact that how far China has come since taking first place as underdogs in the last edition three years ago. Early defensive pressure from the reigning champs was increased, and captain Zhang Zhiting finished a 6-0 run with a simple layup.
China had a run to remember
China, who entered the main competition in 18th place, had a run to recall as they replicated their performance from the Tokyo Olympics. The group made up of Wang, Zhang, Wan, and Cao Junwei started their championship defense with a commanding 21-12 victory over Romania but dropped their next match 17-14 against Japan.
That disappointment was quickly forgotten after China defeated host nation Belgium 21-13 in the semifinal before shocking top-ranked Germany 21-10 in their final group match. Then came Sunday’s heartbreaking 17-16 semifinal loss to France. To their credit, the Lithuanians didn’t give up and even reduced China’s lead to seven points. They tried to come closer, but the Asian titans changed the plans, making it impossible. They kept going until they secured the victory. Wan had the game’s highest point total with seven, followed by six each from Wang and Zhang.
China, who entered the main competition in 18th place, had a run to remember. They accomplished the same thing they did at the Tokyo Olympics. The group made up of Wang, Zhang, Wan, and Cao Junwei started their championship defense with a commanding 21-12 victory over Romania but dropped their next match 17-14 against Japan.
That disappointment was quickly forgotten after China defeated host nation Belgium 21-13 in the semifinal. China then shocked top-ranked Germany 21-10 in their final group match. Then came Sunday’s heartbreaking 17-16 semifinal loss to France.
Most Valuable Player
Talisman Laetitia Guapo received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) honor for her 36-point performance.
China recovered from the upset of their one-point loss to finish at third position. However France continued where they left off by defeating Canada in the championship game 16-13. It was the first World Cup championship won by Les Bleues.
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