The Chinese team extended its losing streak to two matches at the Basketball Four-Nation Tournament in Osimo as China lost to the French 77-74 on Monday.

Wang Zhizhi scored a team-high 21 points. He contributed 26 points in Italy's 85-80 win over China.

The Chinese players are so young and our defense was not good, Wang said after the game.

France and Italy stood atop with four points apiece while China and Venezuela each had zero and they will meet in the next match this evening local time.

(China.org.cn June 27, 2006)