Entering the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 semifinals, New Zealand holds a slim 4-3 advantage over China in their head-to-head matches in FIBA-sanctioned tournaments.
The stage is set for a high-stakes clash as China takes on the New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup semifinals on Saturday, August 16 (PH time).
Gametime is set at 7:00 p.m. at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
[RELATED STORY: China sees off Korea, marches on to FIBA Asia Cup 2025 semifinals]
China punched its ticket to the Final Four after fending off East Asian rival South Korea, 79-71, in the quarterfinals.
Junjie Wang was the catalyst, igniting a 21-11 second-quarter blitz that swung the game in China’s favor.
Wang finished with 21 points and eight rebounds, 10 of those points coming during the crucial run. Jinqiu Hu also delivered a monster performance, leading China with 23 points, 11 rebounds, a steal, and a block.
The Tall Blacks, meanwhile, showed their trademark grit by stunning 2022 runners-up Lebanon, 90-86, in a rousing comeback.
New Zealand clawed back from a 22-point hole in the second quarter. Mojave King dropped 23 points, and Max Darling, who added 18 points and nine rebounds.
[ALSO READ: New Zealand completes 22-point comeback vs Lebanon, catches FIBA Asia Cup semis bus]
History suggests another tight battle, with New Zealand holding a slim 4-3 edge over China in FIBA-sanctioned tournaments.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]