China's Hu Mingxuan goes for a layup during the game against Saudi Arabia at the FIBA Asia Cup on August 5, 2025. Photo: VCG

The Chinese national basketball team opened their 2025 FIBA Asia Cup campaign with a hard-fought 93‑88 victory over hosts Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

The tournament, which runs from August 5-17, marks the return of Asia's premier basketball championship hosted by Saudi Arabia for the first time since 1997.

The Chinese team's starting five featured Zhao Rui, Hu Mingxuan, Zhu Junlong, Zhao Jiayi, and Hu Jinqiu.

Saudi Arabia seized early momentum behind a barrage of three‑pointers, forcing the Chinese team captain Zhao Rui to step up to weather the storm from the hosts. The Chinese team then turned the tide with a well-balanced attack, taking a 53‑43 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Chinese team saw their shooting percentage dip, allowing Saudi Arabia to chip away at the lead and cut the deficit to just two points.

At pivotal moments, Zhao and center Hu Jinqiu solidified the win by converting key free throws after earlier foul trouble. The Chinese team managed to thwart Saudi Arabia's final assault in the last two minutes to seal the win.

All 12 players on the Chinese team's roster saw action, with five scoring in double figures.

Hu led the team with 20 points and five rebounds, while Zhao added 19 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Meanwhile, center Yu Jiahao contributed 15 points and seven rebounds.

Guo Shiqiang, head coach of the Chinese team, praised his team's mental focus and execution under pressure.

"It was a tough game for both teams but it's even tougher for the Chinese team because it's our first game, and against the host country," he said after the match. "I give credit to my players."

The Chinese team now shares early Group C supremacy with Jordan, which overcame India 91‑84 in overtime in their opening game.

The Chinese team's next test comes on August 7 against India, followed by a crucial showdown with Jordan on the third match day that could determine the top spot in the group and impact the Chinese team's bid to return to the Asia Cup semifinals for the first time in a decade.

Though the Chinese team has won the Asia Cup 16 times, its last title victory came in 2015 when Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province, hosted the Asia Cup.