Zhao Jiwei (right) of China breaks through during the Group B match between China and Japan at the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Okinawa, Japan on February 26, 2026. Photo: VCG

The Chinese national basketball team bounced back from a 15-point deficit to defeat Japan 87-80 in an away game on Thursday, taking their first win of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers. 

Five Chinese players contributed double digits in scoring, led by center Hu Jinqiu with 20 points and 12 rebounds in the match amid growing rivalry between the two Asian basketball powerhouses. 

China entered the contest with determination, looking to leverage their depth and tactical prowess under head coach Guo Shiqiang. 

But Japan, led by former NBA player Yuta Watanabe and naturalized player Alex Kirk, outperformed the ambitious Chinese team in the first quarter with 21-11.

The Chinese team managed to strengthen their offense in the second quarter as Japan only managed to extend their lead by another four points to 47-33. 

The halftime result sent many Chinese fans in despair, but after the break the Chinese team, led by captain Zhao Rui, managed to build on a 10-point run momentum to limit Japan's offense to only nine points, while scoring a total of 25 points in the third quarter to take the lead for the first time in the game. 

The Chinese team weathered the storm of Japan in the last quarter to score 29-24, while many Chinese fans questioned the integrity of the referee, saying he was showing biased judgment favoring the Japanese team. 

Speaking of the team's turnaround, Chinese team coach Guo admitted that the team's defense was poor in the first half. 

"We really didn't play well in the first half. The players were playing nervously, while our defensive tactics were not well-executed. Those two factors led to the big deficit," Guo told the post-match press conference. "During halftime, I told the players, 'We need to trust each other. We have a great basketball tradition.' At the same time, we had to play solid defense and control our opponent. My players delivered well in the second half."

Captain Zhao Rui noted that the team's fighting spirit projected the team to the ultimate win.

"We fought extremely hard. We never gave up even when we were behind, and we fought our way to victory in the end," Zhao told reporters. 

"When one of our teammates is struggling, we have to support each other. Trusting each other and trusting the game plan from the coaches is what led to today's victory. No matter how tough it gets ahead, we have to keep this up. That's the way our future will keep getting better," Zhao said. 

Captain Zhao was ejected in the third quarter for accumulated foul violations but he still contributed 10 points to the team's win.

The victory narrowed the gap in the group standing for China, as they are only one point away from group leader Japan. 

The Chinese team's spirit and resilience was widely hailed afterwards. Fans and analysts say it embodied the unyielding drive that has defined Chinese basketball for generations.

"The team looked like two completely different sides between halves," basketball commentator Su Qun wrote on Sina Weibo. 

"This team doesn't lack fighting spirit. Overcoming adversity highlights just how tough the environment has been. I hope this win unlocks the team's confidence in future games."

China kicked off their Asian qualifiers campaign in the first window in 2025 with two straight defeats to South Korea, results that disappointed many fans. 

Japan, bolstered by their home-court advantage and a blend of experienced internationals and rising stars, tops the group after two wins with strong performances.

In preparation for this window, the Chinese squad underwent rigorous training, departing for Okinawa earlier this week to acclimate to the environment. 

Coach Guo Shiqiang emphasized team unity and strategic adjustments, highlighting the opportunity for younger players to step into the spotlight. 

Notably, the team is navigating this qualifier without several key stars, which has tested their adaptability. 

Towering center Zhou Qi, a defensive anchor and offensive force known for his time with the Houston Rockets and his dominant presence in the CBA, is sidelined due to an eye injury and ongoing back concerns. His absence leaves a void, but it also opens doors for others to rise. 

Similarly, promising young talent Yang Hansen, the 18-year-old sensation drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2025 NBA Draft, is not participating, along with guard Xu Jie and forward Zeng Fanbo, who are out due to injuries, according to the team's official roster. 

These absences underscore the challenges of international competition, where injuries and scheduling conflicts can reshape rosters.

The Chinese team will go on to take on Chinese Taipei, who on Thursday outperformed South Korea at home by 77-65, at a neutral venue in the Philippines on Sunday.