In a pivotal group stage encounter at the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, China Women secured a hard-fought 84-74 victory over the Czech Republic Women. The match, held on March 15th, 2026, saw China overcome a spirited challenge from the Czech side, with a decisive fourth-quarter run proving the difference in a contest that was crucial for both teams' hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds. The game began at a high tempo, with both teams trading baskets in an intense opening quarter. China established a slight edge early, but the Czech Republic, known for their disciplined defense and perimeter shooting, managed to stay within striking distance throughout the first half. The third quarter was a tense, back-and-forth affair, with the lead changing hands multiple times. The decisive moment arrived midway through the final period when China's defense forced several consecutive turnovers, sparking a 10-2 run that broke a 70-70 deadlock. China's star guard orchestrated the offense brilliantly during this stretch, finding open teammates for key three-pointers that extended the lead to a comfortable margin the Czechs could not overcome. A key focus point was the battle in the paint, where China's taller frontcourt eventually wore down the Czech interior defense, securing crucial second-chance points. The Czech team's reliance on outside shooting waned in the final minutes as China tightened their perimeter defense. Standout performances included a double-double from China's center and a valiant 22-point effort from the Czech Republic's leading scorer, but it wasn't enough to swing the result. This result significantly impacted the Group B standings, handing China a vital win to bolster their position near the top of the table, while the Czech Republic faces increased pressure in their remaining fixtures to keep their tournament hopes alive. Post-match, the Chinese coach praised his team's composure in crunch time, stating, "We showed great mental toughness when the game was tied. Our defensive intensity in the fourth quarter created the opportunities we needed." The Czech coach acknowledged the challenge, saying, "We competed for 35 minutes, but their execution in the final five was superior. We have to learn from this and bounce back." The starting lineups featured China's typical blend of size and guard play, while the Czech Republic started with their core of experienced international players. The final scoreline of 84-74 reflected a contest of