The Chinese men’s national basketball team delivered a commanding performance on July 24, 2026, dismantling Cameroon 113–79 in an international friendly played in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. The emphatic 34-point victory highlighted China’s depth, sharp shooting, and defensive intensity, sending a clear signal ahead of the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, China controlled the tempo. The home side raced to a 32–18 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. By halftime, the lead had ballooned to 57–38, as China’s guards consistently broke down Cameroon’s defense with sharp ball movement and timely three-point shooting. The third quarter saw the biggest margin, with China outscoring Cameroon 31–16 to effectively seal the game before the final period.

Key Performers

• Zhang Zhenlin (China) – The versatile forward led all scorers with 28 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. He also grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists.
• Zhou Qi (China) – The towering center dominated the paint with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots, anchoring China’s defense and altering numerous Cameroon attempts at the rim.
• Hu Jinqiu (China) – Coming off the bench, Hu provided instant energy, scoring 16 points and pulling down 8 rebounds in just 22 minutes of action.
• Jeremy Lin (China) – The veteran point guard orchestrated the offense with 10 points and 9 assists, committing only 2 turnovers in 28 minutes.
• Cameroon’s bright spot – Forward Christian Koloko finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, but received little support from his teammates.

Tactical Story

China’s game plan centered on pushing the pace and exploiting mismatches. The hosts shot 54% from the field and an impressive 42% from three-point range (12-of-28). Their ball movement produced 28 assists, a testament to the unselfish play that head coach Aleksandar Đorđević has instilled. Defensively, China forced 17 turnovers and turned them into 22 fast-break points. Cameroon struggled to contain China’s pick-and-roll combinations, often leaving shooters open on the perimeter or allowing easy looks at the rim.

Match Impact and Context

This friendly was part of China’s preparation for the 2026 FIBA Asia Cup, where they aim to reclaim continental supremacy. The lopsided win boosts team morale and provides valuable minutes for bench players. For Cameroon, the result underscores the gap between African and Asian powerhouses, but the team will remain focused on improving ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

The 113 points scored by China marks their highest offensive output in a single game since 2019. With a deep roster that blends experienced veterans and rising stars, the Chinese team is shaping up as a dangerous contender on the international stage.