China beat Russia to finish 2nd at Stankovic Cup

Angola defeated Serbia 68-60 in Hangzhou on Sunday to win the Stankovic Continental Cup. China finished second after beating Russia 72-50 late in the night.

China's center Yao Ming (C) talks with his teammate Wang Lei during the match against Russia at the Stankovic Continental Cup in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on July 20, 2008. China won 72-50. (Xinhua Photo)

Yao Ming started for the first time in the three matches of the tournament, scoring 6 points in two quarters. Russia at one point created a 9-point run. But Wang Zhizhi scored 13 points in the second quarter to lead China to a 12 point advantage at the break.

Russia posed no threats to China in the second half. Chinese substitute Wang Lei was the focus of attention as he knocked down 13 points, and China comfortably won the match. With two wins and one loss, China finished as runners-up of the tournament.

China's head coach Jonas Kazlauskas (L) talks to center Yao Ming during the match against Russia at the Stankovic Continental Cup in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on July 20, 2008. China won 72-50. (Xinhua Photo)

Earlier, African champions Angola took their third victory in the tournament to win the Stankovic Cup. They defeated Serbia by 8 points, thanks to Olimpio Cippiano's 20 points and eight rebounds.