China rout Japan 66-57 to win FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers opener

Players battle for the ball during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers first game between China and Japan in New Clark City, Philippines, June 16, 2021. /CFP

Chinese men's basketball team

won their first game at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup Qualifiers with a 66-57 victory over Japan on Wednesday in New Clark City, Philippines.

Without top player Yi Jianlian, Team China captured their first win since the 2019 FIBA World Cup with accumulated points of 20-12, 32-20, 50-35 and 66-57 in four quarters.

Zhou Peng, the 2021 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Defensive Player of the Year, showed his strength with 16 points and two assists. Shen Zijie also added 11 and five rebounds.