Han Xu powered China to a 74-70 overtime victory over Czechia, producing 22 points and 14 rebounds in a pivotal Group D matchup. China overcame an eight-point halftime deficit, broke a 64-64 tie in the extra period and steadied its campaign after a difficult opening defeat.

What happened

China entered overtime level with Czechia at 64-64, then won the extra period 10-6 to secure its first victory of group play. Han drove the result at both ends, adding four assists and two steals to her game-high workload on the glass.

The comeback required China to erase Czechia’s eight-point halftime advantage while navigating persistent problems with ball security. China committed 29 turnovers, but its control of the interior created enough additional opportunities to stay within reach and ultimately take command in overtime.

Why it matters

The result moved China to 1-1 and kept it in the Group D race with one game remaining. That response was important after China opened with a 94-61 loss to the United States, a result that left little margin for another setback.

Han’s performance provided the stabilizing force China needed in a close game. Her scoring carried weight, but her rebounding was just as important to a team that built its clearest advantage around the basket and used that edge to offset its turnover total.

By the numbers

Han shot 9-for-18 from the field and recorded a 26 efficiency rating across 34 minutes. Her 22-point, 14-rebound line was complemented by four assists and two steals, giving China production across multiple phases of the game.

China outrebounded Czechia 53-27, nearly doubling its opponent’s total on the boards. It also held a 44-30 advantage in points in the paint, underscoring how decisively the game tilted toward China near the basket even as the 29 turnovers repeatedly interrupted its offense.

The final margin reflected how little separated the teams despite those interior advantages. After regulation ended even, China’s 10-6 overtime edge supplied the decisive four-point difference in the 74-70 final.

What to watch next

China closes group play against Italy on Monday with its position in the Group D race still active. Han’s work on the glass will again be a central matchup after she led a dominant rebounding performance against Czechia.

China will also need to preserve that interior strength while reducing the possessions lost through turnovers. With one group game left, the combination of Han’s efficiency and China’s control of the paint offers a clear foundation for the matchup with Italy.