China

Yao leads China 63-61 win over Australia

(AP)
Updated: 2006-08-15 21:00

KUNSHAN - Yao Ming scored 21 points to give China a much-needed 63-61 win over Australia on Tuesday in their final exhibition game before the world championships in Japan.

With the return of guard Liu Wei, China was finally able to play with its full complement of stars and the difference showed. Liu, who had a tryout with the Sacramento Kings in 2004, had 10 points, Wang Shipeng added 11 more and newly returned Wang Zhizhi, China's first player in the NBA, had nine.

Yao Ming of China, right, tries to pass the ball as Brad Newley of Australia, left, defends during the match of the 2006 Stankovic Continental Champions Cup Tuesday Aug. 15, 2006 in Kunshan, China. China won over Australia 63-61. [AP]

However, the game was largely a battle between Yao and Andrew Bogut, the Milwaukee Bucks' 2005 No. 1 NBA draft pick who scored 20 points. Yao seemed to get the better of most of their exchanges, repeatedly leaving Bogut on the parquet. Australia had just 12 rebounds in the first half against China's 23.

Going in front in the second minute on a three-pointer from Wang Shipeng, China roared to a 15-point lead in the first quarter before ending it ahead 23-9.

Australia slogged back in the third quarter, pulling within one point before another Wang Shipeng three-pointer gave China some cushion.

Australia tied the game 48-48 early in the fourth quarter, but China raced ahead again, cheered on by the crowd in packed gymnasium in Kunshan, just outside Yao's hometown, Shanghai.

Bogut's jam then tied the game again at 61 in the final minute, but he missed his free throw and a chance to take the lead. China took possession with 15 seconds left and after a series of passes, Yao tossed in from below the basket to give China the win.

It was the first win in four exhibition game appearances at home for China this month, including a 119-73 drubbing by the United States, an 82-73 downing by Germany and an 88-78 defeat to Brazil.

Sam Mackinnon scored 12 points, Jason Smith added 10 and Brad Newley scored eight points for Australia.

The loss drops Australia's Stankovic Cup record to one win and two defeats after falling to Greece but triumphing over France.

China face Olympic silver medalist Italy in world championships Group D opener on Saturday, while Australia faces Brazil in Group C.