Shenzhen, February 21 (HS): The Chinese men's basketball team won 100-58 over Japan in a Group C game of the 2025 FIBA ​​Asia Cup qualifiers on Thursday evening, sealing their berth in the Asia Cup.

Japan, which has already qualified for the tournament by winning four qualifying matches, had earlier beaten China 76-73 in February 2024.

China dominated the game from the start, with Zhu Junlong opening the scoring with a layup while Zhao Rui and Xu Jie added consecutive baskets to give China an 8-0 lead.

Forward Zeng Fanbo hit a three-pointer to help China extend their lead to double digits in the second quarter.

Japan struggled to score against China's strong defence but ended their scoring drought midway through the third quarter. China scored 31 points in the last quarter to register their fourth straight win with a 100-58 win.

China's Hu Jinqiu and Japan's Ryusei Sasaki both scored a game-high 17 points while Zhao scored 16 for the hosts.

Both teams gave fans a thrilling game. Our focus, defensive strategy and fast breaks were perfect, China head coach Guo Shiqiang said.

Earlier on Thursday, Mongolia beat Guam 74-63 to register their first qualifying win in Group C.

As per the schedule, China will face Guam in the second game of the third window on Sunday while Japan will take on Mongolia. The 2025 FIBA ​​Asia Cup will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from August 5 to 17.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar