China claims second straight win over Brazil ahead of FIBA World Cup qualifiers

China followed up a nervy overtime victory two nights earlier with a more composed 72–66 friendly win over Brazil in Changsha on Sunday, leaving both teams to reconvene on Wednesday for the start of their FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Brazil looked the brighter starter, powered by Kamilla Cardoso's presence inside as the big woman finished with a game‑high 23 points and repeatedly punished China on the offensive glass. China's counters, however, came from their own frontcourt: Liu Yutong bullied the paint for 17 points and seven rebounds, while Zhang Ziyu made an immediate impact off the bench, 11 points in 13 minutes, helping to flip the game's momentum.

The decisive sequence arrived in the second quarter, when China ripped off a 20–9 run. A Liu layup capped that burst and nudged the hosts 12 clear. Brazil stayed dangerous after halftime, carving opportunities on the break, but China's interior sturdiness and timely defence kept the margin intact.

The two sides will have little time to rue mistakes, as their next meeting in Wuhan comes up midweek when friendly familiarity will give way to qualifying urgency.