China’s basketball players find positives in agonising Fiba Asia Cup final loss
Hu Mingxuan misses potential game-winner in dying seconds as Australia clinch a three-peat in Jeddah
China’s run to basketball’s Fiba Asia Cup final was “just the start”, captain Zhao Rui said after an agonising loss to Australia late on Sunday.
Hu Mingxuan missed a potential game-winner in the dying seconds, sealing China’s 90-89 loss as the Australians secured a three-peat in Jeddah.
Zhao said it was “a pity” his team fell just short, but tried to see the positives.
“This loss actually motivates us – we can learn from it and improve the areas where we need to improve,” said Zhao, who finished with 10 points, six assists and five rebounds. “Some fans probably didn’t expect a close game, but we delivered a wonderful game for the fans.
“This one-point loss will remind us to work harder and get better. Today is just the start, not the end.”
China led 25-17 after the opening quarter, and the lead was 15 early in the second, but Australia bounced back to trail only 46-42 at half-time.