China's Hu Jinqiu (right) shoots during the match against Chinese Taipei on July 6, 2026 in Goyang, South Korea. Photo: VCG

China booked its place in the second round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers with a commanding 92-74 victory over Chinese Taipei on Monday, bouncing back from a disappointing defeat to Japan and keeping its World Cup campaign alive. 

Entering the game after a 92-73 home loss to Japan on Friday, China faced a must-win situation in the group. China responded emphatically, taking control from the opening quarter and building a 26-point advantage before halftime. 

Coach Guo Shiqiang's squad maintained their intensity throughout the second half, denying Chinese Taipei any realistic chance of mounting a comeback as they comfortably closed out the victory.

Captain Zhao Jiwei and forward Li Hongquan led the scoring with 17 points apiece. Center Hu Jinqiu contributed 13 points and six rebounds, while debutant Pang Zhenglin added 11 points, while 21-year-old center Yang Hansen finished with 10 points and five rebounds.

The result marked an immediate response from the Chinese squad following its setback against Japan at home on Friday, with the team displaying far greater defensive intensity and offensive execution than it had three days earlier. 

China also avoided the late-game drama that characterized its 100-93 comeback victory over Chinese Taipei in Manila during the previous qualifying window in March. 

Head coach Guo praised his ­players' collective mind-set and execution after the game.

"Zhao and Hu helped unite the younger players, and that unity was crucial to winning the game," Guo told reporters at the post-match press conference. "The team's execution was very good today. It was much better than in the previous game. Whether it was defending against fast breaks, executing our defensive plan based on the opponent's strengths, or controlling the tempo, the game was played on our terms."

Yang, who only returned recently to the national team after spending a year developing in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers, said the victory reflected the team's determination.

"My teammates all played with tremendous fighting spirit and we worked together to win this game," Yang said. "I have 100 percent confidence in myself and my teammates. I'm also very grateful to my teammates for helping and supporting me whenever I wasn't playing well."

Guo said the Yang has shown encouraging progress despite refusing to evaluate individual performances.

­"After a year in the NBA, Yang has improved in his professionalism, attitude and competitive awareness," Guo told reporters. 

"I hope he continues to work hard as his improvement on both offense and defense will be very important to how far the Chinese men's basketball team can go."

China's defensive improvement was particularly noticeable after conceding 92 points against Japan. The team moved the ball more effectively on offense, controlled the pace of the game and capitalized on transition opportunities while limiting Chinese Taipei's scoring runs.

Several experienced players were unavailable during this qualifying window, including star center Zhou Qi and forward Zhang Zhenlin, absences that affected China's overall strength and depth. 

Rookie Pang's double-digit contribution, was hailed by coach Guo, who described Pang as the "X-factor" after the guard made a valuable impact off the bench. 

The sentiment was also echoed by basketball commentators.

"Pang enjoyed an eye-catching national team debut, scoring 11 points in just 13 minutes and 57 seconds," basketball commentator Fu Zhenghao told the Global Times. 

"His explosive drives consistently put pressure on the defense, showing that his attacking style can translate to the international level. His performance could strengthen his case for a larger role in the future."

According to the qualification competition format, the 12 qualified teams will be divided into two groups of six, carrying over results against teams that also advanced from the first round. The teams will not face those opponents again. 

China will enter Group F alongside Lebanon, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The second phrase will be played across three international windows scheduled for late August 2026, late November 2026 and late February 2027.