Guo Ailun (R-2) of China competes during the Group A match between China and Cote d’Ivoire at the FIBA World Cup in Beijing on Saturday.Xinhua
CHINA snatched its first Group A win by beating Cote d’Ivoire 70-55 in Beijing on Saturday at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.
“We did a great job tonight. The tough defense of our rivalry caused us lots of troubles in the first half, but we were more concentrated in the second. Although we didn’t make many long-range shots, we got better on both ends,” said Li Nan, head coach of the Chinese side.
The host team survived a tougher-than-expected fight against Cote d’Ivoire with the star trio Guo Ailun, Yi Jianlian and Zhou Qi doing the heavy-lifting.
Yi, a former Milwaukee Bucks player, scored 17 of his team-high 19 points in the second half to go with 8 rebounds, while Player of the Game Guo tallied 17 points and Qi chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. The trio combined for 32 of the team’s 41 points in the second half.
Guy Landry Edi picked up 10 points to lead Cote d’Ivoire.
With the lead at just 38-37 midway through the third quarter, China took control of the game with an 11-2 run as they scored four of their five baskets on layups. The surge extended out to 18-5 spanning the final two quarters and the gap was 56-42 with 7 minutes left. The Elephants could not get closer than 9 points the rest of the way.
Guo was strong throughout the game but really stepped up when China needed it most. He had two layups and an assist in the game deciding 11-2 run late in the third quarter. He ended up with 17 points, 9 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.
China’s defense frustrated Cote d’Ivoire to the tune of just 29 percent shooting from the field to go along with 21 turnovers — though the Africans did grab 19 offensive rebounds. However, China made a white-hot 71 percent of their two-point shots in the second half.
The home side China shook off first-game jitters and the pressure of expectations to get the victory. Li Nan’s team will next face Poland today with the winner taking sole possession of first place in the group with two wins in two games. Cote d’Ivoire on the same day will face Venezuela and the victor will get their first victory.
Yao Ming and Dirk Nowitzki, both FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Global Ambassadors, were among the delighted crowd during the game.
The recently retired German legend Nowitzki received a warm reception during the presentation of the Naismith Trophy at halftime. “It’s amazing. I’m glad to be here, it’s an amazing venue,” Nowitzki, who has taken part in two World Cups as a player himself, addressed the arena. “Obviously, basketball is a huge sport here in China. The atmosphere is great and the fans are amazing,” said Nowitzki.