China score 5th straight win in four-nation basketball
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-07-16 15:20

China defeated Brazil 104-84 for its fifth straight victory in the men's four-nation basketbal tournament in Beijing Thursday evening.

NBA All-Star center Yao Ming contributed a double-double in his 24-minute action with clear inside advantages to the hosts who led the first period 30-27, with the help of three-pointers from Zhu Fangyu.

In order to test different line-ups, Chinese head coach Del Harris replaced all his starters in the second period, which enabled Brazil to catch up from its long-range shots. China regained its slim margin to enter the second half 57-53 by re-fielding in both Yao and Yi Jianlian.

The Brazilians exploited three consecutive turn-overs for theirfast breaks in the beginning of the third quarter before Chen Ke made the crucial three-pointer for China, who later on geared up its defenses to effectively restrain the Brazilian attacks.

Yao who scored 30 points and grabbed 11 boards, sat out the whole fourth period as his teammates kept their momentum and controlled tempo of the match.

Zhu Fangyu added 20 points for China.

Coach Harris was critical of the Chinese defense, saying "it could not be the excuse in any sense for their lack of defense. The warm-ups were played to solve such problems."

On Thursday, China narrowly beat Canada 76-72 as Yao Ming notched 35 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks in 31 minutes.

After China led 19-12 in the first quarter, Harris also retreated all starters to try his replacements in the second period.

The Canadians combined their piercing attacks with tight defense in the fourth quarter as China only scored four points in five minutes before Yao was ushered in again to ensure the victoryfor the hosts.

The four-nation tournament features China, Brazil, Canada and Croatia in Xinjiang autonomous region.

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