China's men's national basketball team defeated Tunisia 74-50 in their opening game at the FIBA Stankovic Cup in Shenzhen on Tuesday.

China’s star guard Guo Ailun got a team-high of 17 points and six assists, while former Houston Rockets player Zhou Qi got 10 points and eight rebounds.

Even without Yi Jianlian on the court, China started strong as Guo whipped a pass inside to Wang Zhelin, who put the home side 5-2 ahead.

Later in the first quarter, Zhou Peng's block led to a fast-break, which Wang finished with a dunk, much to the approval of Yi Jianlian, who's being rested for the final. 

Another jam late in the period came courtesy of Shen Zijie, and the home side's edge was five.

In the second, Guo connected with Shen for an alley-oop. And then dished to Zhou Qi, who got fouled on his way to the basket. 

Some might consider the former Houston Rocket getting hacked to be one of the game's most exciting highlights.

Team China ended the first half with 36-23.

Indecisiveness proved costly for the Tunisians after half-time, as Makrem Ben Romdhane faked a three and then lost the ball.

On the other end, Zhou Qi drilled a triple to extend China's lead to 14. 

The Chinese squad's tough defense led to a steal for Zhao Jiwei, who then went the other way, and increased the advantage to 47-31 for the hosts.

Li Nan's men continued to dominate in the fourth. Abudushalamu Abudurexiti found Guo, who took the rock to the rack, and the home side moved 32 points in front.

It is the third year that Shenzhen has held the event, which this year includes China, Tunisia, Croatia and Latvia.

In another game on Tuesday, defending champions Croatia defeated Latvia 75-50 to meet China in the final on July 24 night. 

It will be the first time in six years that China will reach the final; last year, China finished third.

Besides for the Stankovic Cup, this is also the last international warm-up event for China before the FIBA World Cup which starts on August 31.

(Cover: Guo Ailun of China in action against Tunisia, FIBA Stankovic Cup, Shenzhen, July 23, 2019. /VCG Photo)