WNBA star Lauren Jackson scored 24 points to help Australia beat China 74-70 in a thrilling final, winning FIBA Diamond Ball tournament on August 8 evening.

"I was satisfied with my players especially in the third period," said Chinese head coach Gong Luming. "Their defense was good, but they were a little bit relaxed at the start of the last period."

With a 14-4 point run in the third period, China led Australia 55-53 and entered the last period 60-55.

However the Australian, headed by the MVP of last year's WNBA season Jackson, came back strongly with a 12-0 storm to take the lead again with 67-60 and seal the victory finally.

Jackson also contributed 13 rebounds for the Olympic defending bronze medalists, which were also joined by 2002 WNBA All-stars Penny Taylor, who added five points.

Center Chen Nan led the Chinese side with 17 points and eight rebounds, followed by Bian Lan 15 points and Miao Lijie 12.

"China is a very good team, they showed good teamwork and quick defense and attack," Australia head coach Janette Stirling said. "

They can go out in the group of the Olympic games, and may go very far."

China is aiming to take third in the upcoming Olympics. But "it is very hard for us to realize that goal," Gong said.

Earlier on Sunday, Brazil edged hosts Greece 73-70 to take the third, while South Korea, led by Kim Yeong-ok with 24 points, beat Nigeria 89-78 for the fifth.

(Xinhua News Agency August 9, 2004)