China edges Brazil in OT as FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying prep begins

China's women tuned up for their upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers with a hard‑fought win over Brazil in Changsha. The hosts built up a 15‑point lead before letting it slip and needing overtime to eventually prevail 74-69.

Yang Shuyu set the tone early on and quickly found her rhythm with a three to ignite the home crowd. Brazil answered through guard Izabela Nicoletti, who coast in for a layup to put the visitors ahead 12–9. But towering center Zhang Ziyu went inside for a strong finish. Wang Siyu then buried a three as China closed the first quarter up by three.

In the second, Zhang maintained her good form in the paint and Wang continued to score at the rim, reaching 13 points by the break. Liu Yutong added her own powerful moves from inside. China dominated the period 21–11 to take a 39–26 lead.

After halftime, Brazil mounted a comeback. Taina Paixao buried a deep three to trim the deficit to single digits. And WNBA center Kamilla Cardoso had a fast‑break layup to make it a two‑point game.

With just 0.2 seconds remaining, Carina Martins launched a deep three to tie it at 64 all and the game heads to overtime. Martins struck again to open the extra period, nailing another triple. But Zhang stepped up when China need her most. 

The 18‑year‑old scored and adds the free throw for a three‑point play to wrestle back momentum. She finished with 10 points and 4 rebounds, and on defense produced a key block. China regained control down the stretch and close out the friendly win.