China nips Chinese Taipei 68-65 in men's basketball
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-11-01 09:16

MACAO, October 31 (Xinhua) -- China was pushed to its limit on Monday before overcoming Chinese Taipei 68-65 in the men's basketball preliminary round at the East Asian Games in Macao.

In the day's other action, Japan crushed Macao 97-43 while Hong Kong beat Mongolia 75-67.

China, without NBA star Yao Ming, looked anything but the reigning Asian champions in the match, and went only 13-for-41 from the field against Chinese Taipei's 19-for-44.

Wang Shipeng was the top scorer for China with 21 points. Yi Jianlian, a promising center who stands 2.12m tall, had 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Tien Lei led Chinese Taipei with 11 points, including a three- pointer.

China established a 22-21 lead in the first quarter, but its rivals overtook at 39-33 at halftime.

The mainlanders managed to regain the upper hand in the third quarter by scoring 21 points to Chinese Taipei's 13.

China outscored Chinese Taipei 14-13 in the last period before sealing the hard-earned victory.