Angel Reese and the U.S. Women's National Team encountered a significant size challenge in their FIBA World Cup game against China, facing the 7'3" Zhang Ziyu. The matchup between the 6'3" Reese and the towering Chinese center drew attention as a notable event in the tournament.
Ziyu, projected as a potential first-round WNBA draft pick in 2027, recorded 13 points and six rebounds in China's 94-61 loss to the U.S.
Caitlin Clark, a teammate on the U.S. team, commented on the unusual nature of the game. "This was a different type of basketball game that I probably ever played in my entire life. I've never played against a woman of that size," Clark stated after the game. "She obviously presented some challenges for us, but you gotta give our post players a lot of credit."
Reports suggest Reese employed aggressive defensive tactics against Ziyu, a strategy that observers noted could be a blueprint for limiting the young center's impact. Ziyu converted 9-of-10 free throws during the game, suggesting she could leverage size to draw fouls. The physical nature of the contest led to Ziyu audibly reacting to contact, prompting speculation about her resilience against the intense play common in professional women's basketball.
Team USA secured a dominant victory over China in the tournament opener.