Russia upended host China 90-79 to win the Shanghai Baoshan
International Women's Basketball Tournament at the Baocheng
Stadium.
In an earlier match, the Czech Republic edged Australia
70-66.
Both, the Czech Republic and Russia posted two victories to one
defeat at the four-nation tournament but Russia edged ahead thanks
to its 60-55 victory over the Czechs on Saturday.
Also on Saturday, China notched up its only victory at the
three-day event, beating Australia 86-71, to finish third.
China may have been hoping for a better finish after emerging
from the first half a mere two points behind Russia (41-43). The
1.97-meter center Chen Nan dominated in the paint, collecting a
game-high 24 points and bagging six rebounds.
But too many turnovers and a stretched defense outside the
three-point zone took its toll on the hosts in the second half.
Russia, led by Natalia Vodopyanova (19 points, five rebounds),
extended its lead to a maximum 17 points (88-71) with less than two
minutes in the fourth quarter.
China raised hopes of a rally with a 8-0 run, including two
successive 3's from Reng Lei, but ran out of time.
(Shanghai Daily July 3, 2006)
