Russia beat China to win Four-Nation Tournament (Shanghai Daily) Updated: 2006-07-03 10:11 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.
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