China powered its way into the knockout stage of the Asian Games basketball tournament on Monday, remaining unbeaten by routing Jordan 100-53 while Iran advanced by beating Qatar 88-46.

China, which was led by point guard Zhang Qingpeng with 31 points, ended Group E play with five wins and no losses and will take one of the top seeds into Wednesday's quarterfinals.

"I am proud to contribute to winning," Zhang said. "The competition begins officially from now on. I hope that we can adjust for the next games since our strongest opponents will be ourselves."

The reigning Asian Games champion had an easy time stifling Jordan with a blanket defense that led to a 47-15 lead at halftime to the delight of a near-capacity crowd at the Guangdong Sports and Entertainment Centre.

Zhang was unstoppable, hitting nine of 14 3-pointers, while hometown favorite Zhou Peng notched 20 for the winner as China's starters largely rested. Jordan was led by Ali Zaghab with 19 points.

In Group F play, Iran slammed Qatar as Hamed Afagh scored 25 of his 33 points in the first half.

Iran's defense was too much for the quick-hitting Qataris, with giant 6-foot-11 (2.10m) center Asghar Kardoustpoustinsar clogging up the middle and controlling the boards.

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