Angel Reese Ejected After Heated Clash with China’s Han Xu in FIBA World Cup Opener
BERLIN — In a dramatic turn of events at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, Team USA forward Angel Reese was ejected in the third quarter following a heated clash with China’s captain Han Xu during Friday’s Group D opener. The incident occurred as tensions escalated between the two teams, culminating in a double-technical foul that led to Reese’s disqualification from the game.
The confrontation unfolded as China deployed a formidable frontcourt pairing of 7-foot-3 teenager Zhang Ziyu and 6-foot-11 Han Xu, presenting a significant size challenge for the American squad. Reese, known for her relentless physical style of play, had already been battling fiercely against Zhang Ziyu on the boards, giving up nearly a full foot in height but refusing to back down from the challenge. A viral clip from the game showed Reese aggressively fronting Zhang in the post, lowering her center of gravity to hold her ground and contest shots despite the staggering size disparity.
The decisive moment came midway through the third quarter when Reese and Han Xu became entangled while jostling for position near the basket. The physical confrontation escalated quickly, with both players exchanging words before officials stepped in to separate them. After reviewing the incident, the referees assessed double-technical fouls, but Reese’s second technical of the game resulted in an automatic ejection.
At the time of her ejection, Reese had recorded 5 points and 7 rebounds in 17 minutes of action, including four crucial offensive boards. Her aggressive approach had been instrumental in containing Zhang Ziyu, who finished with 13 points but struggled with her efficiency against the relentless American pressure.
Han Xu, who plays for the WNBA’s New York Liberty, finished the game with 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Chinese captain’s veteran presence proved valuable as China attempted to mount a comeback, cutting the deficit to 53-37 before Team USA responded with a decisive 17-5 run to close the period.
Despite losing Reese, the United States cruised to a 94-61 victory, improving to 1-0 in Group D play. Caitlin Clark led the Americans with 14 points and 11 assists in her World Cup debut, while Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard each added 14 points. The win extended Team USA’s streak of consecutive victories in official competition to 70, dating back to 2006.
Team USA head coach Kara Lawson acknowledged the intensity of the matchup postgame, noting that China’s zone defense briefly “stymied” her team in the second quarter. However, the Americans’ depth and perimeter shooting ultimately proved too much for the Chinese squad, who were also missing Dallas Wings center Li Yueru due to travel complications.
Reese’s ejection adds intrigue to Team USA’s tournament path as they prepare for their next Group D matchup against Italy on Sunday. The young forward, who entered the tournament seeking her first World Cup gold medal, will likely face scrutiny from tournament officials regarding her conduct. The Americans remain favorites to capture their fifth consecutive World Cup title despite the roster’s youth and the absence of superstar center A’ja Wilson.
The incident between Reese and Han Xu highlights the growing intensity of international women’s basketball, where emerging stars from the WNBA and global leagues increasingly clash on the world stage. With Zhang Ziyu expected to join the WNBA next year, these frontcourt battles between American and Chinese players promise to become a recurring storyline in the years ahead.
Team USA will look to maintain their momentum against Italy on Sept. 6 before closing Group D play against Czechia on Sept. 7. The top team from each group advances directly to the quarterfinals as the tournament continues in Berlin.
