KUNSHAN, China, July 31 (Xinhua) -- In their last match at 2017 Men's International Basketball Championship, team Blue of the Chinese men's national squad defeated Lithuania 80-54 to finish second in their last warm-ups before the Asian Cup here on Monday.
Guo Ailun proved his ability as a guard with a game-high 26 points and six steals and only one turnover. Hu Jinqiu and Gu Quan respectively scored 13 and 11 points, the former also contributed eight rebounds and three blocks.
Guo's first of his four three-pointers tonight helped team China finish the first quarter 13-10 after the 4-4 tie at the start of the game. The hosts stormed 17-0 in the second quarter to build a 20-point lead. Lithuania managed to cut the deficit down to 15 points before the interval.
Hu Jinqiu dominated in the paint with consecutive rebounds and blocks in the second half. Guo's nine points in the third quarter help China lead by 60-35 before the last period to secure their victory early.
"The team kept high intensity defense during the match, hope they can bring that attitude to the Asian Cup," said team China's coach Du Feng.
China overwhelms New Zealand but lost to Angola before tonight's match, finishing second in Kunshan. They will return to Beijing for a short rest before heading to Lebanon for the Asian Cup.
