Puerto Rico defeated China 84-76 on Tuesday, scoring their first victory at the men's basketball world championship.

Former NBA player Wang Zhizhi and Washington Wizards forward Yi Jianlian sent China in front 17-7 with field goals and three pointers in the first five minutes, but center Wang Shipeng missed the basket for three times in a row and gave Puerto Rico a lift to 20-21 at the end of the period.

Puerto Rico took the lead from the second period and free throws extended their lead to 44-37 at half time.

China had a big run in the first three minutes of the third period, with three pointers from shooting guard Sun Yue putting the team ahead again, 45-44.

However, Puerto Rico countered China's offensives and finished the third period 63-57.

In the fourth quarter, three pointer from Sun helped narrow Puerto Rico's lead to 67-64, but China was unable to overtake and lost the game 76-84.

Playing without NBA star center Yao Ming, who is recovering from a foot injury, China beat Cote d'Ivoire 83-73 on Sunday after an 81-89 loss to Greece on Saturday.

Puerto Rico lost to Russia 66-75 on Saturday and succumbed to Greece 80-83 on Sunday.

China will face Russia on Wednesday while Puerto Rico will play against Turkey.