China defeats Philippines at FIBA Asia

WUHAN, China - Host Chinese men's basketball team edged out Philippines 75-60 to take their second group match victory at 2011 FIBA Asia men's basketball Championship here on Friday.

Yi Jianlian's double-double of a match-high 20 points and 17 rebounds led China to top Group D. Vetaran Wang Zhizhi contributed 16 points during 25 minutes and 34 seconds, twice as much as he played in China's Thursday win over Bahrain.

"I couldn't let Wang sit too much for every game," said Robert Donewald Jr, China's head coach. "The two matches are different. Bahrain is small and fast but the Philippines got bigger size. So I made different arrangements."

Zhu Fangyu played key role in China's offense. Donewald put Zhu in post and told him to attack the rim because of Zhu's size advantage. Zhu finished with 13 points, five assists and had no turnover.

"This is a tough match, we had a lot of physical contacts," said Zhu."Our defense in the second half is not as tight as we did in the first one. And Philippines narrowed the difference. Fortunately, we controlled the match and I think our team is getting better and better for the tournament."

Sun Yue made three three-pointers and took 15 points, along with three steals.

The Philippines outscored China 19-12 in the third quarter. Marcus Douthit contributed five of his team-high 17 points in the quarter and he also grabbed ten rebounds. The Philippines now ranked second in Group D and will face Bahrain on Saturday.

China will play against the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, who blasted Bahrain 91-53.

Chinese Taipei registered their first win after beating Uzkibekistan 81-71 while defending champion Iran won by default against Qatar who is lacking of players before the end of the first quarter.

South Korea overcame Lebanon 80-62 and became the leader of Group A with two wins. Malaysia narrowly defeated India by 71-67.

Japan outlasted Jordan with 92-87 for its second win while Syria celebrated its first win after overcoming Indonesia by 74-61.

The 2011 FIBA Asia men's basketball Championship held from September 15th to 25th in Wuhan. The champion will directly qualify for next year's London Olympics while the runner-up and bronze medalist have to compete in the Olympic qualifying tournament in July, 2012.