With a Euro step she slips past defenders and finishes at the rim. She is Liu Yutong, a towering 2.01-metre centre who on Friday, 25 July, helped lead the People’s Republic of China to a second straight FISU World University Games title in women’s basketball.
Two years after a triumph on home turf against Japan at Chengdu 2023, the Chinese women made it back-to-back thanks to an 81-69 win over the United States of America, represented at Rhine-Ruhr 2025 by a team from Texas Tech University.
Right from tip-off the game was packed with energy. Three-pointers were flying on both ends and the USA held a 24-21 lead after the first quarter. Every bucket was met by loud cheers, as both teams had brought plenty of support to Grugahalle in Essen.
While China’s victory was the result of a superb team effort, one player stood out from the rest: Liu Yutong.
“We were a team before and we know each other very well, so it’s easy to play together,” said small forward Chen Yujie about her imposing teammate. Chen, the reigning rookie of the year from the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association, led the winners with 19 points.
No way through
Liu is one of three returning players from the 2023 gold medal-winning team, along with Tang Ziting and Cao Boyi. Coach Li Sunnan was also at the helm two years ago.
The 24-year-old Liu commands respect in the paint with her height. While she posted modest statistics in Friday’s final, finishing with nine points and three rebounds, the physical education and sport student from Beijing Normal University was the main reason US players struggled to find a way tot he basket.
The game remained tight until halftime as the side from Texas Tech put up a solid fight, and the rivals retreated to the locker room tied at 42-42.
Back from the break, however, the Chinese pulled away by dominating the third frame 28-16 and then held on to their 12-point advantage the rest of the way.
Teamwork makes the dream work
What made China’s win possible beside Liu’s imposing presence and Chen’s dominating performance? A remarkable 50 per cent shooting rate from behind the three-point line (11 for 22) and a well-balanced offence, with four players scoring in double figures.
“We appreciate every minute we have together on the court and we never give up,” said Chen. “And (most of us) just met two weeks ago,” she added with a laugh.
In the bronze medal game, Hungary defeated Poland convincingly 70-50.
The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games take place from 16-27 July. Watch all the competitions live on fisu.tv. Click on the link to find the full schedule.
Written by Lara Zugck, EU U-Media Ambassador, Germany
The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.
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