Substitute Zhang Yunsong scored 19 points, including six three-pointers, leading the Chinese squad.

The victory is a great comfort to the players as they lost to New Zealand with a 21-point-margin, the worst loss they had suffered so far.

The Chinese squad started very strong, leading the game 33-21 at the end of the first quarter. However, at the same time, they also committed lots of unnecessary faults.

Zhang Yunsong came from the bench in the second quarter and started his three-point bombardment.

China completed the game with 86-74 over the US.

In another competition held later, New Zealand 84-76 over Lithuania en route to win the trophy. China finished second while Lithuania third and US fourth.

The newly established Chinese national team is now 8-3. They will take part in next week's Stankovic Cup tournament in Beijing featuring all continental champions and the Olympic champion. It will be the arena to decide the champions of the champions.

(CRI July 23, 2005)