CHANGSHA, China, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Hosts China escaped from a tough group with two straight wins on the second day of FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2019 men's category on Saturday to make into the quarterfinal.
23-year-old forward Zheng Yi played a key role against Qatar, knocking down as many as six shots beyond the arc to dominate the game. Zheng collected 13 points to help China ease past Qatar 21-13.
The game against New Zealand turned out to be a close one. Zheng's shots helped China open the game 3-0, and the host team was once again leading 17-13. However, New Zealand sank two long-range shots to level the score, and moved 18-17 ahead after an easy lay-up.
Chinese guard Chen Peidong showed skill and determination in the final minutes of the game, scoring four straight points to help China close the Game 21-18.
China topped Group B and will take on Chinese Taipei on Sunday's quarterfinal. Qatar, who edged New Zealand 21-20, will face Kazakhstan.
"We learned from the defeat of our women's team yesterday and made some adjustments accordingly," said Zheng after the game.
"We will probably meet Australia in the knock-out stage and that will be a greater challenge."
Australia will meet Japan on Sunday, and Mongolia will face Jordan.
In the women's category, Mongolia, Thailand, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan survived the group stage to join Australia, Philippines, Japan and New Zealand in quarterfinals.
