Li Yueru of China competes during the group A match between China and South Sudan at FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

WUHAN, March 14 (Xinhua) -- China led the entire game on the way to an 86-76 victory over South Sudan, while the Czech Republic used a strong second half to beat Brazil 84-65 in the FIBA Women's World Cup qualifiers here on Saturday.

Veteran guard Wang Siyu led China with 17 points, with four of her teammates also scoring in double figures.

Luo Xinyu opened the scoring for China with two consecutive 3-pointers, while Maria Gakdeng scored South Sudan's first seven points. China extended its lead to double digits with one minute to play on substitute center Zhang Ziyu's shot under the basket and led 22-15 at the quarter's end.

The two teams traded shots from 3-point range in the second quarter, and Zhang's consecutive inside plays and Yang Shuyu's fast break layup helped China maintain a double-digit lead at halftime.

China's lead ballooned to 13 points after an 8-0 surge midway through the third period. Coming off the bench, Wang had 12 points in the quarter as China carried a 19-point advantage entering the final frame and withstood South Sudan's comeback effort, which included three straight 3-pointers.

"It was a crucial game for us and we prepared well for it. We had some good stuff in both defense and offense, but we played quite simply and took some risks when leading in the game. Scoring 86 points is not bad in terms of offense, and our perimeter players knocked down some shots, but we also had some bad shots," China coach Gong Luming told a post-game press conference.

Adut Bulgak had a game-high 18 points for South Sudan.

In the day's other action, Brazil capitalized on Kamilla Cardoso's strength under the basket to claw back into contention after having trailed the Czech Republic by seven points, pulling within 24-20 after the first quarter, where Cardoso drew four fouls and made four of six free throws.

Brazil built its first lead at 26-24 after the opening possession with six straight points going into the second period.

Damiris Dantas scored 14 points in the quarter, including three 3-pointers, as Brazil established a 46-42 lead at halftime.

Cardoso was called for an unsportsmanlike foul for shoulder charging Julia Reisingerova with 8:24 remaining in the third quarter, and Natalie Stoupalova made the ensuing two free throws to tie the game at 46-46.

Brazil was held scoreless for over five minutes after the break, as the Czech Republic dominated the third quarter 22-7 to build an 11-point advantage.

Brazil came no closer than nine points for the remainder of the contest, scoring just 19 points after the interval.

"Brazil came short in their strength in the second half, and as we pushed harder, they lacked the power," Czech Republic coach Romana Ptackova said.

Veronika Vorackova led the Czech Republic with 17 points, while Petra Holesinska added 16.

For Brazil, Dantas scored a game-high 30 points despite her side's defeat.

"We had some mental breakdowns at some crucial moments... There is a lot that we need to work on, basic stuff, some details, free throw blackout. We made it difficult for ourselves. We are going to go back, watch the video and get ready for tomorrow," said Brazil coach Pokey Chatman.

Also on Saturday, Belgium crushed Mali 81-50.

Already assured of a World Cup spot as the reigning European champion, Belgium raced into a 16-2 lead, only for Mali to cut the deficit within nine points at the end of the opening quarter.

Belgium blew it open after the intermission, outscoring Mali 41-19 in the second half to ease to victory.

Four Belgium players scored in double figures, led by Kyara Linskens' 15 points. Julie Vanloo and Julie Allemand chipped in with 14 each.

Belgium remains as the only unbeaten team after three games in Group A, followed by the Czech Republic and China at 2-1. Mali and Brazil are both at 1-2, while winless South Sudan sits bottom.

China will play the Czech Republic on Sunday. Earlier this month, the two teams had a warmup game in Wuhan, where China prevailed 85-51.

"China are huge in the low post. We came here with only three post players, but we need to play intense and hard for the entire 40 minutes," Ptackova said. ■

Zhang Ziyu of China reacts during the group A match between China and South Sudan at FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Sarah Deng (2nd R) of South Sudan breaks through during the group A match between China and South Sudan at FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Li Yueru (C) of China fights for a rebound during the group A match between China and South Sudan at FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Yang Shuyu (L) of China fights for a rebound during the group A match between China and South Sudan at FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Wang Siyu (C) of China goes for a layup during the group A match between China and South Sudan at FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Zhang Ziyu (R) of China breaks through during the group A match between China and South Sudan at FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)

Li Yueru (front) of China competes during the group A match between China and South Sudan at FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Yang Shuyu (C) of China goes for a layup during the group A match between China and South Sudan at FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Sarah Deng (C) of South Sudan breaks through during the group A match between China and South Sudan at FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Li Yueru (C) of China fights for a rebound during the group A match between China and South Sudan at FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Maria Gakdeng (R) of South Sudan goes for a layup during the group A match between China and South Sudan at FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)