Yao Ming scored 21 points to give China a much-needed 63-61 win over Australia on Tuesday (Aug. 15) in their final exhibition game before the world championships in Japan. (photo: sina)

With the return of guard Liu Wei, China was finally able to play with its full complement of stars and the difference showed. Liu, who had a tryout with the Sacramento Kings in 2004, had 10 points, Wang Shipeng added 11 more and newly returned Wang Zhizhi, China's first player in the NBA, had nine.

However, the game was largely a battle between Yao and Andrew Bogut, the Milwaukee Bucks' 2005 No. 1 NBA draft pick who scored 20 points. Yao seemed to get the better of most of their exchanges, repeatedly leaving Bogut on the parquet. Australia had just 12 rebounds in the first half against China's 23.

Going in front in the second minute on a three-pointer from Wang Shipeng, China roared to a 15-point lead in the first quarter before ending it ahead 23-9.

Australia slogged back in the third quarter, pulling within one point before another Wang Shipeng three-pointer gave China some cushion.

Australia tied the game 48-48 early in the fourth quarter, but China raced ahead again, cheered on by the crowd in packed gymnasium in Kunshan, just outside Yao's hometown, Shanghai.

Bogut's jam then tied the game again at 61 in the final minute, but he missed his free throw and a chance to take the lead. China took possession with 15 seconds left and after a series of passes, Yao tossed in from below the basket to give China the win.

It was the first win in four exhibition game appearances at home for China this month, including a 119-73 drubbing by the United States, an 82-73 downing by Germany and an 88-78 defeat to Brazil.

Sam Mackinnon scored 12 points, Jason Smith added 10 and Brad Newley scored eight points for Australia.

The loss drops Australia's Stankovic Cup record to one win and two defeats after falling to Greece but triumphing over France.

China face Olympic silver medalist Italy in world championships Group D opener on Saturday, while Australia faces Brazil in Group C.

Source: AP

[Review]

Chinese Baskeball Team ended warm-up game with a 6-14 win-loss mark

Yao-Wang not save China from 88-78 lose to Brazil [Gallery]

Yao Ming and Wang Zhizhi teamed up for the first time in five years, but failed to save China from a 88-78 lose to Brazil on Sunday (Aug. 13) at the Stankovic Cup in Nanjing, East China. >>>Details

Nowitzki leads Germany to beat China 82-73 [Gallery]

Dirk Nowitzki spoiled Yao Ming's first spell for the Chinese team this year when the Dallas Mavericks forward scored 27 points to lead Germany to a 82-73 win at the Stankovic Continental Champions Cup on Friday in Nanning, East China. >>>Details

U.S. beat Yao-less China 119-73 [Gallery]

Lebrone James scored 22 points to lead the U.S. team to a 119-73 crash over the depleted Chinese team 119-73 in Guangzhou on Monday.

China played without pivot Yao Ming, who joined the team for training on August 1 after foot surgery during the off season, or forward Wang Zhizhi, who injured his knee in a warm-up against France two weeks ago. >>>Details

China lose to Lithuania in World Championships warm-up

Wang Zhizhi clinched 24 points and 10 boards but found he could not single-handedly lift the Chinese basketball team over Lithuania when they lost 96-75 on Friday (July 21st) in a World Championship warm-up in Strasbourg, France. >>>Details

Editor: Donald