Hu Jinqiu (C) of China attempts a lay-up during the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Australia clinched its third straight FIBA Asia Cup after squeezing past China 90-89 in the final on Sunday.

Trailing by one point, China had the chance to secure the win with 3.9 seconds left, but Hu Mingxuan's shot missed the target.

Australia has never lost a game since joining the Asia Cup in 2017, with Sunday's victory marking its 18th straight win at the continental tournament.

In their only previous encounter at the FIBA Asia Cup, Australia cruised past China 97-71 in the 2017 quarterfinals, but it was a totally different scenario when they met again in Jeddah.

China led 25-17 to finish the first quarter thanks to consecutive baskets from Hu Jinqiu and Hu Mingxuan.

China broadened the gap to 15 points in the second quarter, only to see Australia trim the deficit to four points at halftime.

The two teams exchanged leads for several times in the final quarter. Xavier Cooks' free throw earned Australia a 90-87 lead. China cut the gap to one point on captain Zhao Rui's two free throws, but still narrowly fell short.

"We were once down by 15, and it's a very tight, close game," said Australian head coach Adam Caporn.

"The players felt their toughness, felt their problem-solving attitude, and we have that from the start of the camp."

Cooks scored a game-high 30 points for Australia. Jaylin Galloway added 23. With an average of 15.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals, Galloway was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

Hu Mingxuan made five shots from beyond the arc for 26 points. Hu Jinqiu and Cheng Shuaipeng added 20 and 12 points respectively.

"It's a wonderful game, and the two sides staged a gold-medal level show for the fans," said Chinese head coach Guo Shiqiang.

"We lost by one point. It's tough for the players, but I think they did their best."

Chinese duo Hu Jinqiu and Wang Junjie were selected in the All-Star Five, along with Australia's Galloway and Jack McVeigh, and point guard Sina Vahedi of bronze medalist Iran. ■

Liao Sanning (C) of China goes up for a lay-up during the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Hu Jinqiu (R) of China goes up for a lay-up during the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Players of Australia celebrate during the awarding ceremony for the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Team China pose after the awarding ceremony for the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Hu Jinqiu (Top) of China goes up for a basketball during the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Zhu Junlong (front) of China gestures during the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Players of China react after the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Team China pose after the awarding ceremony for the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Players of Australia celebrate during the awarding ceremony for the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Liao Sanning (L) of China breaks through during the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Hu Mingxuan (R) of China looks at the champoion trophy after the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Players of China reacts after the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Hu Jinqiu (R) and Wang Junjie of China hold their trophies for All-Star Five after the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Lei Meng (2nd L) of China reacts after the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Cheng Shuaipeng (L) and Gao Shiyan of China celebrate during the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Cheng Shuaipeng (C) of China breaks through during the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Players of Australia celebrate during the awarding ceremony for the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Zhao Rui (R) of China shoots during the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Players of China reacts before the final match between China and Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)