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China grabs second win in women's basketball international
SHANGHAI, July 14-- China stunned Olympic silver medallists Australia 60-55 to take a sweet revenge at the 2005 International Women's Basketball Tournament here on Thursday. The Asian champions, cheered on by a loud home crowd, outscored Australia 19-10 in the first quarter. Australia, which lost to Russia on Wednesday, could not find form until the second half when they produced a 10-2 run to close the gap to 47-43, but only saw China pull away 54-45 with 3:05 to go. Point guard Song Xiaoyun nailed a two-point to seal the victory, avenging China's loss in the northern city Harbin last week. Zhang Xiaoni grabbed 10 points and eight rebounds, while Ye Li and Ren Lei scored 10 points apiece. Song Xiaoni added 6 points and two rebounds. Hollie Grima led Australia with 19 points and seven rebounds, Jenny Screen contributed 8 points and two rebounds. "Thanks to the supporting spectators, my players did a good job in defense, yet Australia is still one of the best teams in the world," said China's Australian coach Tom Maher, who also attributed the victory to a well-planned defense strategy. "We are still a young team, and only one player had played in the Athens Olympics. To become a real strong team, we still have a long way to go," said Australian coach Jan Stirling. Maher praised several of his players, especially NBA star Yao Ming's girlfriend Ye Li, "Ye Li showed a good example on how to make a good defense, and she should get some credits for what she did tonight," said Maher, who led China to the Asian championship in June. In an earlier game, Yaquelin Tizon snatched down team-high 20 points to help Cuba narrowly beat Athens Olympic bronze medallists Russia. Cuba almost stumbled in front of Russia who led the first quarter 20-16, and with the help of star veteran Calderon, Cuba regained confidence after breaking through Russia's defense system to gain a 48-47 lead to enter the final quarter. Neither team could manage a lead more then two baskets at the last period, and Plutin Tizon nailed an essential two-pointer in the final minute to seal Cuba's victory. Cuba, who lost to China on Wednesday, shot 47 percent in the field, and made six out of 12 free throws. China will take on Russia with Cuba facing Australia on Friday.
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