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China's Basketball Team Almost Stumbles while Others Go Through
China's Basketball Team Almost Stumbles while Others Go Through
China almost stumbled Sunday in a clash with the Czech Republic in the top 16 finals of the Universiade men's basketball competition, while others title contenders went through.
Wang Zhizhi scored 14 points and Yao Ming added 10 in the decisive fourth quarter as the pivot duo saved China from overturn, winning 88-81.
Canada held off Ukraine 75-67 in the group's other game to set up a meeting on Monday with China to vie for the only berth in the semi-finals of the group.
The Czechs led at 65-55 to enter the decisive quarter, in which they lost 33-16 when the Chinese completely dominated the paint area to turn the table around.
Zhang Jinsong, who led the team with 17 points, put the hosts ahead for the first time since a 11-9 lead in the first quarter, at 77-75 with a fast-break with 2:08 minutes left.
Wang had 17 points while Yao had 16 and 11 rebounds.
Jan Pavlik led the Czechs by 24 points, 6-11 from behind the arc, as the visitors shot an amazing 11-20 in the first half to take a 49-38 lead, the biggest gap in the game.
The more powerful Germans suffocated Turkey 91-57 though the Turks led 24-21 at the end of the first quarter.
Germany used a 12-0 run in the second quarter to shatter the confidence of the Turks, who collapsed in the following game when they saw the score out of touch.
Sweden defeated Russia 66-54 in the Group L and will face Germany on Monday to decide the qualifying team.
In Group K, the United States met little challenge to beat Brazil, 99-67, while Britain crushed South Korea, 94-77.
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