Asian Games 2023 5x5 basketball: Indian women's team advance to quarterfinals despite defeat to China in last Pool match

India are scheduled to play North Korea in the last eight stage.

In an intense women’s basketball 5×5 match at the Asian Games 2023, China displayed their dominance from the outset. The first quarter saw China taking an early and commanding lead of 33-6, with India struggling to match their pace. However, India staged a spirited comeback in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 32 points.

Despite India’s efforts, China remained formidable in the third quarter, extending their lead to 32 points once again. In the fourth and final quarter, China continued to assert their superiority, ultimately winning the match with a scoreline of 111-53. This victory solidified China’s position as a top contender, while India faced the challenge of regrouping for future matches. Top scorer Pushpa Kumar Senthil led India with 11 points, while Li Meng topping the scoring charts for China with 14 points.

China’s dominance

The opening quarter set the tone for the match as China quickly established their dominance. They began with a 9-0 lead, and their offense flowed seamlessly. Han Xu’s impressive 3-pointer extended China’s advantage to a staggering 19-point lead.

India struggled to find their rhythm and managed to get on the scoreboard with a 3-pointer by Vijay Shireen Limaye. However, China’s relentless pace led to a commanding 33-6 lead by the end of the first quarter. Despite India’s substitutions, China continued to dominate, and the quarter ended with China leading 19-6.

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India’s fightback

The second quarter witnessed a much-improved performance from India. Despite trailing 38-7 after the first quarter, India showed resilience and determination. They managed to reduce the point deficit, scoring 19 points while conceding 20. Sanjana Ramesh’s 3-pointer signaled India’s intent to close the gap. With four minutes left in the quarter, India had a chance to further narrow the deficit.

Bhandavya Mahesha and the Chinese team contributed with two-pointers, but Pushpa Kumar Senthil’s scoring streak continued with a 2-pointer. India scored through rebounds as well, displaying a more spirited performance. Nevertheless, China maintained their control, and LI Yuan added another two-pointer to their tally. China seemed to be the favorites, but the focus shifted to whether India could sustain their improved performance.

The third quarter once again belonged to China. They displayed their offensive prowess, scoring 32 points, while India managed only 13. China extended their lead with a free throw and a 2-pointer by YANG Shuyu. Pushpa Kumar Senthil, who had shone in the first two quarters, had a quiet period. India took a timeout to regroup, but China’s offense remained relentless.

Zhang Ru scored a 3-pointer, followed by consecutive 2-pointers by Yang Shuyu and Li Yuan. India showed some fight with a 3-pointer by Madhu Kumari and consecutive two-pointers by Madhu Kumari and Sanjana Ramesh, winning four consecutive points. However, China answered back with a two-pointer by Han Xu and a three-pointer by JIN Weina, extending their lead with five consecutive points.

Both teams exchanged quick two-pointers, but China maintained their advantage in the third quarter. The scoreboard reflected China’s dominance, with a score of 85-32 at the end of the third quarter.

China’s victory

The final quarter sealed China’s victory in this women’s basketball showdown. With a score of 85-32 in their favor, they continued to extend their lead. China started the quarter with another 2-pointer, pushing their lead even further. India reached a milestone when Pushpa Kumar Senthil scored a free-throw basket, bringing their total to 50 points.

Sanjana Ramesh added a two-pointer, inching India closer to the 50-point mark. However, China remained relentless, with LUO Xinyu scoring a 3-pointer, taking their score to 104. China even took a timeout to regroup and strategize for the final minutes.

Despite the challenging situation, India showed resilience. Anmolpreet scored a two-pointer, and Pushpa Kumar Senthil added another two points. China was on the verge of reaching 100 points, demonstrating their clinical performance in the pool stage. China began the quarter with a free-throw point and maintained their dominance until the final buzzer, securing a comfortable 111-53 victory.

China’s basketball prowess was on full display in this match, securing a commanding victory over India. Their clinical performance, offensive firepower, and teamwork were too much for the Indian team to handle. Despite India’s spirited efforts, especially in the second quarter, China maintained their lead and secured a comfortable win.

The victory solidified China’s position as a top contender in the Asian Games women’s basketball tournament. India, on the other hand, will need to regroup and strategize for their upcoming matches in the competition.