China edge Australia in Women's Asia Cup warmup finale

China overcame an early deficit to squeeze past Australia 73-69 in its final warmup game ahead of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup on Tuesday.

Falling 76-63 to Australia two days prior, China held firm on the free throw line late in the game to prevail, concluding its warmup series with a 5-1 record.

Yang Liwei (C) of China goes for a lay-up during a friendly match between China and Australia in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, July 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)

Yang Liwei made both free throws with 19.5 seconds remaining to put China ahead 72-69, and Jia Saiqi added another to secure the win.

"Today we were more accustomed to the game pace on both ends of the floor. We didn't give up when trailing, but executed the coach's tactics and made shots resolutely without overthinking the scoreline," said Yang, who had nine points.

Australia showed its shooting accuracy after the tip-off, making its first six shots for a 13-7 lead. With promising center Zhang Ziyu sidelined again, China began to claw back with bench players in action as it whittled the deficit to three points, before Australia pulled away again late in the first quarter for a 25-16 lead.

Luo Xinyu sank two straight 3-pointers as China pulled within 30-33, but Australia controlled the pace afterward en route to a 42-36 halftime advantage.

A pair of layups from Yang Shuyu helped China tie the game at 46-46 midway through the third quarter. Wang Siyu scored five points in a row as China rode on a 10-2 surge to go ahead 56-55, its first lead of the game. Australia carried a slim one-point advantage entering the final frame.

Yang Shuyu top scored with 15 points, and Luo added 12 by going four of six from 3-point range.

"In such a physical game, both teams didn't have a high success rate as we were more focused on physical contact," said China coach Gong Luming. "If China aims to rank among the world's best, we need to adapt to that and raise our game on shots and free throws."

Isobel Borlase was the only Australian player scoring in double figures with 11 points.

Defending champion China is placed in Group B along with New Zealand, South Korea and Indonesia at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup to be held in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province from July 13 to 20.