China beats Japan 70-57 in Games group phase
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-10-31 10:40

MACAO, October 30 (Xinhua) -- China played a good defense to see off Japan 70-57 in the second round of the East Asian Games basketball competition here on Sunday.

The 2.12-meter forward Yi Jianlian, dubbed "little Yao Ming" in China, notched up a team high 23 points as well as 12 rebounds and two blocks.

"We started slow into the game but found the rhythm later on," said the 18-year-old NBA prospect.

"I think it's a good game, especially for our defense."

Chinese giants held Japan's offense to 12 points in the second quarter to set up an eight-point lead and never looked back.

Forward Wang Shipeng had 16 points and two steals, and Jiao Jian added 15 points.

Amino Tomoo led the Japanese side with 14 points and Sakurai Ryota and Furuta Satoru each added 10 points.

Also on Sunday Chinese Taipei edged Hong Kong 76-74 after a controversial three-point decision.

Hong Kong coach Mak Kam Fai said a refereeing mistake robbed their win.

"Chinese Taipei hit a 3-pointer after the buzzer, but it was ruled valid," said Mak.

"It was a big mistake."

Hong Kong played impressively from behind the arc, leading the first half 41-38 with eight three-pointers. But Chinese Taipei surged ahead in the second half, winning the match by two points.