China reaches FIBA U18 Asia Cup semis, secures U19 World Cup spot

NEW DELHI, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- China beat the Philippines 117-103 on Friday to advance to the FIBA U18 Asia Cup semifinals and qualify for next year's FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.

Shooting from beyond the arc set the tone for China's win, with 17 of 33 from 3-point range. Four Chinese players scored in double figures, led by Wang Zichao's 25 points on six 3-pointers. Chen Yuxiu had 23 points, while Hao Xuan and Zhang Yizhaojie added 16 apiece.

China went 11 of 21 from beyond the arc in the first half to build a 59-45 halftime lead.

After the break, China made four 3-pointers in a row to extend its lead to 22 points and had a 19-point advantage heading into the final frame.

As China's offensive efficiency dropped and some errors were committed in the final period, the Philippines began to claw back but came no closer than 14 points.

Kenji Yob Moral finished with a game-high 26 points for the Philippines.

China now faces a semifinal tie against either Japan or New Zealand.

The FIBA U19 World Cup will be held in Pardubice, Czech Republic from June 26 to July 4, 2027.