BEIJING -- Host China suffocated world champion Australia in two quarters to achieve a surprising 67-64 victory on Sunday at the women's basketball internationals in Beijing.
Song Xiaoyun of China (in red) goes for basketball against Australia at the women's basketball internationals in Beijing, April 20, 2008. [Xinhua] |
China held the Opal to nine and eight points in the second and third quarter respectively to lead as many as 18 points in the fourth quarter.
"Our defence in the first half were very good, costing (Australia) lost of mistakes. They had many possessions from (better) rebounding, while we had the same on (their) turnovers," China's coach Tom Maher said.
Australia, which beat Olympic champion the United States 74-60 on Saturday, played without top players like Lauren Jackson.
"We struggled on finishing-off and missed many easy baskets. The turnovers hurt us a lot," said center Suzy Batkovic, who leading Australia by 13 points.
The Opal committed 19 out of 24 turnovers in the first half and shot 31 per cent in the field, though it dominated the board by 48-24.
After a 7-4 lead at the start, the Australians fell into the defence traps several times to give up the lead soon and never regained the advantage.
China led 33-25 in the first half and 49-38 after three quarters before making it 59-41 in the fourth quarter.
Australia began the come-back in the rest of the game when Chinese pivot Chen Nan and power forward Chen Xiaoli were fouled out, but fell short in the end.
Miao Lijie led China with 15 points while Chen Nan and Bian Lan adding 12 points each.
China is atop on the standings after two wins with no other team having perfect record.
