https://arab.news/8tkfn
- 16-time champions China beat Korea, face New Zealand
- Iran will battle Australia in the other semifinal on Saturday
JEDDAH: China will meet New Zealand and Australia face Iran on Saturday in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup semifinals.
In the quarterfinals on Thursday, 16-time champions China beat South Korea 79-71, in a tight game.
The win moved China to 4-0 in the tournament, while ending South Korea’s spirited campaign at 3-2.
At his post-game press conference, China coach Guo Shiquiang said: “They executed the game plan and kept talking in the game. Today, we did a good job in carrying out the defensive strategy.
“We did a great job to limit their transition and three-point shooting. We played offense and defense together. This win helps us earn respect from all over China.”
In a remarkable game, New Zealand erased a 22-point deficit to shock Lebanon 90-86 in Thursday’s quarterfinals at King Abdullah Sports City.
New Zealand maintain their unbeaten record at the tournament and have now made the semifinals for the third successive time.
Coach Judd Flavell knew his team had to make adjustments heading into the second. “I think the mindset was to get to the rim and still back yourself to shoot the ball when it’s there.
“You’ve got to play on the front foot, and Lebanon taught us that lesson in the first quarter, and we were able to turn things around. I’m very proud of our group.”
For Lebanon, the loss ends their title aspirations, but they go home with heads held high after a stirring campaign in Jeddah.
The FIBA Asia Cup 2025 final and third-place game will be played on Aug. 17.