Han Xu leads China past Italy to seal second place in World Cup group

Han Xu recorded a double-double as China cruised past Italy 71-51 to finish second in Group D at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin on Monday.

China made a fast start and established a 23-7 advantage by the end of the first quarter. The team maintained control in the second period, taking a commanding 40-21 lead into half-time.

Han helped China stretch the margin to a game-high 25 points early in the third quarter before Italy responded bravely. A 10-0 run brought the Europeans back within 15 points, and they later reduced the deficit to 12 before China halted their momentum.

China reasserted control early in the fourth quarter and pulled away again to seal their second consecutive victory after an overtime win against the Czech Republic.

Han led the way with 19 points and 10 rebounds, shooting eight of 11 from the field and making both of her three-point attempts. Yang Shuyu contributed 15 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Zhang Ziyu added eight points.

China shot 51 percent from the field compared to Italy's 38 percent and also enjoyed a significant advantage from beyond the arc, converting 42.1 percent of their three-point attempts. Italy converted just two of 17 shots from long range.

Matilde Villa led Italy with 15 points, while Cecilia Zandalasini added 12.

The victory gave China a 2-1 record in the tournament so far and second place in Group D behind the unbeaten USA. Italy finished third.

China will next face Puerto Rico on Wednesday in the qualification round for the quarter-finals, with the winner advancing to meet France in the last eight. Italy will take on Australia for a quarterfinal place against Spain.