On June 13, Beijing time, in the second match of the second leg of the 2013 Four-Nation Men's Basketball Challenge, the China Olympic team ultimately lost to Canada 62-81 after four quarters of play, ending their three-game winning streak.
Throughout the game, the China Olympic team allowed their opponents 15 offensive rebounds, trailing Canada significantly in total rebounds with 22-40. In terms of individual statistics, Zhai Xiaochuan scored a team-high 14 points with 3 rebounds and 2 steals, Chang Lin scored 12 points, Sun Tonglin contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds, while Zhong Cheng and Duan Jiangpeng each added 8 points.
The two teams had previously met in the first stage of the tournament, where the China Olympic team suffered a reversal after leading in the first half, losing to Canada by 4 points. He Zhongmian, Guo Ailun, and Zeng Lingxu were all injured during that match. Additionally, the promotion of Wang Zhelin, Li Muhao, and Guo Ailun to the national team training camp weakened the strength of the Olympic team to a certain extent.
At the start of the first quarter, the China Olympic team struggled with their shooting, with consecutive attempts missing the rim. Their defense was also not in form, allowing the opponent to score easily in the paint repeatedly. Canada quickly established a double-digit lead of 14-4.
In the second quarter, the China Olympic team made tactical adjustments, with Zhai Xiaochuan and Chang Lin drawing fouls from their opponents while driving to the basket. However, the Olympic team players were clearly not in form tonight, making only 7 out of 19 free throws in the first half. Seeing the Chinese team lose their standard even at the free-throw line, Canada took the opportunity to further expand the lead. By halftime, the China Olympic team trailed by 26 points, 20-46.
After the halftime break, the China Olympic team's offense began to improve. Zhai Xiaochuan and Sun Tonglin drew consecutive fouls and made all 4 free throws, helping the Chinese team narrow the gap to 20 points, 30-50. After Zhong Cheng hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer, the China Olympic team scored 23 points in the third quarter alone.
In the final quarter, due to the large deficit from the first half, the Olympic team sent in their bench players for practice. Ultimately, the China Olympic team lost to Canada by a large margin of 62-81, ending their three-game winning streak.
Tomorrow night, Beijing time, the China Olympic team will face their last opponent of this leg, the United States.
China Olympic Team Starters: Zhai Xiaochuan, Zhong Cheng, Sun Tonglin, Duan Jiangpeng, Tian Guisen