Han Xu powered China to a 71-51 victory over Italy in its Group D finale, recording a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double to close the group stage. The center also contributed two steals and converted both of her 3-point attempts as China earned its second consecutive win.
What happened
Han set the pace with an efficient performance, making eight of her 11 shots from the field. Her production helped China shoot 51% overall and build the decisive margin in a game that secured second place in Group D.
China also controlled the matchup defensively, limiting Italy to 38% shooting from the field. The difference was even greater from long range, where Italy made just 11.8% of its attempts while China connected at a 42.1% rate.
Why it matters
The victory moved China into quarter-final qualifying and kept its tournament run alive. Finishing second in the group gives China a knockout matchup with Puerto Rico and a direct path to the quarterfinals.
The result also represented a sharp reversal from August, when China lost two exhibition games to Italy. With the stakes higher in Group D, China turned those earlier defeats into a 20-point win and carried momentum from its second straight victory into the elimination stage.
By the numbers
Han scored 26.8% of China's 71 points and shot 72.7% from the field. Her 19 points led an efficient Chinese attack, while her 10 rebounds completed the double-double and her two steals added to her impact at the other end.
China's shooting advantages were substantial: 51% to 38% overall and 42.1% to 11.8% from beyond the arc. Han was perfect on her two 3-point attempts, making her a central part of both the team's interior production and its success from long distance.
What to watch next
China will face Puerto Rico on Sept. 9 in a knockout game. The winner advances to meet France in the quarterfinals, leaving China one victory away from a place in the final eight.
Han's efficiency will remain a key point to watch after her leading performance against Italy. China enters the matchup with consecutive wins, but the next stage leaves no margin for a setback.