Zhang scores 24 as China edges Nigeria in Women's Basketball World Cup warmup

HAIKOU, China, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Towering center Zhang Ziyu had a game-high 24 points and 11 rebounds as China squeezed past Nigeria 70-67 in a warmup game in its preparation for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup on Friday.

In a closely contested game, Nigeria leveled the score at 67-67 going into the final minute. Zhang's basket moved China ahead 70-67 with 15.1 seconds remaining, before Nigeria missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer.

Zhang shot 11 of 15 from the field. Yang Shuyu added 12 points for China, who shot 3-of-18 from 3-point range.

"As some players recently joined the team, we tried different lineups today. We are happy about the win, but we have also found some problems. We need to improve our performance on defensive rebounds and turnovers," said China coach Gong Luming.

Zhang scored eight straight points for China in the opening quarter, while China suffered five turnovers down the stretch and a fast and physical Nigerian side pulled level at 22-22 as the quarter ran out.

Deng Yuting, who played in the NCAA league and joined China's training camp in mid-July, made her team's first 3-pointer of the game with seven minutes remaining in the second quarter. Nigeria responded quickly, converting their second chances into points to remain in contention. China led 39-38 into halftime. Nigeria out-rebounded China 26-22 in the first half, including 16 offensive rebounds, five more than China.

Commenting on Deng's international debut, Gong said, "She has shown her physical fitness and skills, but we need to continue working on how to capitalize on her abilities. Hopefully she can improve step by step."

Zhang continued dominating the paint after the interval as China led by as many as eight points in the third quarter, before Nigeria had a 5-0 run to cut the deficit within a single possession heading into the final frame.

"It was a good test for us. Nigerian players showed their toughness and rebounding abilities, which we need to handle better in the next games," Yang said.

Murjanatu Musa led Nigeria with 15 points. Promise Amukamara had 10.

"We need to reduce our mistakes in the next game. It was a good fight," Musa said.

The game was part of the World Cup warmup series for both sides, who will meet again in Haikou on Sunday before their final duel in Foshan, Guangdong Province next Wednesday.

The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup will be held in Berlin from September 4 to 13. Enditem