Beating Saudi's heat

After a slow start, Team China adjusted well in the latter part of the first half, taking a 10-point lead into the interval and extending the margin to 15 points in the third quarter. The host, though, launched a fierce counterattack, tearing China's defense apart by knocking down contested deep 3s and scoring putbacks off offensive rebounds.

Led by American-born guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, the Saudis cut China's lead to just five points, with the scoreboard reading 90-85 with 1:42 remaining, partially thanks to a series of Chinese turnovers in the face of Saudi's full-court press, bringing back bitter memories of similar last-minute collapses the team suffered in multiple games at the 2023 World Cup and Asian Games.

China, though, was able to hold its nerve when it mattered most, led by veteran guard Zhao Rui and forward Hu Jinqiu, who together contributed 39 points, nine rebounds and six assists to help fend off the surging Saudi comeback and secure the win.

Abdur-Rahkman, a former Michigan Wolverines sharpshooter in the NCAA D1 tournament, finished with a game-high 32 points.

Despite the opening win, Team China's lack of consistency in free throws, exposed by its subpar 67.7 percent shooting on the line, and sloppy play in clutch time, underlined by only 13 points scored in the fourth quarter, 10 fewer than the host, suggests Guo's unit remains a work in progress.

"This is a first international tournament for many players in this national squad, and some are still adjusting to the pressure of competition at this level," said team captain Zhao.

"The older guys tried to lead by example today, but going forward, we need more players to step up. That's the only way we'll grow. The further we go, the tougher it gets."

Team China returns to action on Thursday, when it faces India in its second group game, before a final round-robin matchup against Jordan on Saturday. The group winner will advance into the quarterfinals directly.

Jiang Xinyu contributed to the story.