China cruises past Japan to secure qualification for FIBA Asia Cup

China defeated Japan 100-58 in a group stage game in 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Thursday, securing a spot in the main draw of this summer's continental tournament in advance.

Japan, which had already qualified for the Asia Cup's main draw after winning four qualifying games, beat China 76-73 in the previous meeting between the two sides in February 2024.

The hosts dominated the return engagement from the early minutes, with Zhu Junlong opening the scoring with a layup. Zhao Rui and Xu Jie added consecutive buckets to give China an 8-0 lead. Zeng Fanbo drilled a three-pointer to help the home side extend its edge to double digits in the second quarter.

Japan struggled to find the basket against China's tough defense, only breaking a long scoring drought midway through the third quarter. China scored 31 points in the final quarter to seal its fourth victory.

China's Hu Jinqiu and Japan's Ryusei Sasaki shared the game-high with 17 points apiece, while Zhao contributed 16 points for the hosts.

"Both teams gave the fans an exciting game," China coach Guo Shiqiang said. "Our focus, defensive strategy, and fastbreaks were on point."

Earlier in the day, Mongolia claimed its first qualifying win in Group C, defeating Guam 74-63.

China will face Guam on Sunday, while Japan go up against Mongolia. The 2025 FIBA Asia Cup is set take place from August 5-17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.