China triumph in FIBA Women's Asia Cup opener over New Zealand

China kicked off their FIBA Women's Asia Cup journey on a high note with a 67-44 victory over New Zealand in Group B on Tuesday.

The third quarter set the winning tone for the Chinese team, who rode on a 14-2 run to put themselves out of reach. Moving ahead by four points before the break, China outscored their opponents 21-12 in the following quarter.

China's captain Shao Ting and point guard Li Yuan scored a game-high 13 points each. Wu Tongtong added 10 points. Li Yueru finished with 14 boards and two blocks.

Shao Ting (left) of China and Ashleigh Karaitiana of New Zealand fight to take control of the ball during their FIBA Basketball Women's Asia Cup match at Sree Kanteerva Stadium in Bangalore on Sept 24, 2019. [Photo: IC]

Both sides were troubled by icy shooting percentage in the first period. China made 3 of 11 shots to tie at 8-all with New Zealand, who only converted 2 of 16 attempts.

After China trailed by four points, Shao and Li combined eight points in a row to set the halftime score at 21-17 in China's favor.

Commenced by Li's driving layup, the Chinese team continued strong performance after the restart with different players contributing on the score sheet.

Despite somewhat coming into contention since late in the third quarter, New Zealand came no closer than nine points.

Notching 10 points, Micaela Cocks was the only player from New Zealand hitting double figures.

Elsewhere, eight players scored in double digits to gift Australia a 123-57 rout of the Philippines, with Ezi Magbegor leading the way through 18 points.

China will take on the Philippines on Wednesday, while New Zealand face Australia.

In Group A, three-time defending champions Japan trounced hosts India 103-27. South Korea held off Chinese Taipei 48-44.

Eight participants at the Women's Asia Cup are divided into two groups of four teams each. Group winners will advance directly to the semifinals, while teams finishing second and third will play a qualification to semifinals. Teams finishing last in groups will go head to head with the winner maintaining their Division A status.