On September 3rd, the U18 Asian Cup continues with China vs. Qatar.
The China U18 men’s basketball team has a lineup that combines height and extensive pressure defense leading to counterattacks. In the previous game against Kazakhstan U18, they played with ease. With Zhang Boyuan making a strong start and scoring 17 points in a single quarter, he helped create a 22-point lead for China U18. The subsequent three quarters were entirely under the control of China U18, eventually winning 86-50 against Kazakhstan.
When China U18 faces Qatar, they have achieved significant victories in their last two encounters. The most recent was on August 4th, 2022, when China defeated Qatar 88-44. Back in 2014 on August 20th, during their first-ever meeting at the U18 Asian Cup, China beat Qatar 89-18, one of the most lopsided games of that tournament.
Provided there is normal rotation and the focus remains on a strong start led by Zhang Boyuan, China U18 is expected to build a sufficient advantage in the first quarter, setting the stage for further development in the subsequent games. This Qatari team has suffered four consecutive losses at the U18 Asian Cup, all by large margins. They lost their last game against Japan U18 55-73. Their frontcourt lacks significant height and defensive advantages, and their backcourt players’ shooting hasn’t been particularly outstanding. Against one of Asia’s powerhouses, Japan U18, it wasn’t surprising that Qatar U18 lost.
In this match against China U18, from interior defense to perimeter shooting, these are teams of almost different calibers. For Qatar U18 to defeat China U18, they would need China to collectively make mistakes while simultaneously delivering a miraculous performance. Otherwise, it’s highly likely they will face another significant loss.
China U18 Men’s Basketball Players: Xun Sinan, Xun Sifeng, Wang Hongze, Liu Li, Feng Ao, Zhang Boyuan, Cui Xinquan, Chen Jiazheng, Yang Yi, He Wenwei, Duan Ruiqi, Zhang Huafei.
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