China’s run to basketball’s Fiba Asia Cup final was “just the start”, captain Zhao Rui said after an agonising loss to Australia late on Sunday.
Hu Mingxuan missed a potential game-winner in the dying seconds, sealing China’s 90-89 loss as the Australians secured a three-peat in Jeddah.
Zhao said it was “a pity” his team fell just short, but tried to see the positives.
“This loss actually motivates us – we can learn from it and improve the areas where we need to improve,” said Zhao, who finished with 10 points, six assists and five rebounds. “Some fans probably didn’t expect a close game, but we delivered a wonderful game for the fans.
Zhao Rui acknowledges spectators after defeat in Sunday’s final. Photo: Xinhua
“This one-point loss will remind us to work harder and get better. Today is just the start, not the end.”
China led 25-17 after the opening quarter, and the lead was 15 early in the second, but Australia bounced back to trail only 46-42 at half-time.