China suffers defeat in Asia Championship

Sports / Basketball

China suffers defeat in Asia Championship

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-07-28 21:10

TOKUSHIMA, Japan -- Defending champions China suffered a big blow in the
opening day of the 2007 Asian men's basketball Championship on Saturday,
beat by Jordan 78-65 in Group A.

China, fielding its second team in the championship, was served by Wang
Bo and Wang Yong in the early stage after the game began and led 18-17
into the second quarter.

But Jordan soon geared up in the following quarters and Rasheim Wright,
who top scored the match with 31 points destroyed China's defense in the
second quarter and Jordan led 35-30 before the break.

After Zaid Alkhas, who accounted for 22 points and eight defensive
rebounds found his rhythm in the third quarter, there was no looking back
for Jordan. Buoyed by the duo, Jordan created a 12-0 run in the third
quarter and totally controlled the game to the important first win in the
tournament.

"The first game is always important for a team, and we won it." said
Mario Palma, headcoach of Jordan.

"This is the first time in history that Jordan has beaten China. I think
it's a remarkable day for me.

"With every team as good as the other in our group, the side with better
plan and homework is bound to clinch. And that's exactly what gave us the
winning edge today," he added.

Yang Ming and Wang Bo led the Chinese team with 15 points and Wang Yong
and Bian Qiang added seven each.

Chinese headcoach A Dijiang shrugged off the defeat and saying, "For some
reasons, we brought young players to the tournament. Among 12 players, 11
of them haven't taken part in Asian Championship before, they are to
young to control the game."

"This is the price we have to pay to make these young players grow up
soon and I have not too much anger on the defeat." said A Dijiang.

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