China women completed their disappointing Olympic run with a 82-63 victory over Japan on Tuesday to finish ninth in the basketball competition in Athens. 

In Tuesday's earlier game, Nigeria edged off South Korea 68-64 to finish 11th.

 

The Asians battled through the first three quarters before Asian champions took the domination of the decisive fourth period by 31-15.

 

China had the better of the game from beginning to open it at 26-12.

 

Japan closed the first half at 30-29 to the advantage of China with an 11-0 run.

 

The two sides exchanged baskets for most of the third quarter, which saw China never extended its lead over six points to enter the fourth quarter at 51-48.

 

Forward Sui Feifei led China with 25 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Wang Ling contributing 22 points and 13 rebounds.

 

Kaori Kusuda and Horiko Hamaguchi scored 13 points each for Japan, who was conquered by 48-24 on board.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2004)