Yi Jianlian's double-double leads China past Croatia

(BEIJING, June 16) -- The Chinese men's basketball team won 76-66 in their second friendly game against Croatia in Baoshan Stadium, Shanghai on June 14. The Chinese controlled the game from start to finish thanks to an improved performance from Milwaukee Bucks rookie Yi Jianlian and clutch play from Chen Jianghua.

Still recovering from an injury, Yi found his form early in the first quarter, scoring on a midrange jumper and a dunk to help the Chinese to an early 12-4 lead. The latter part of the quarter became a free-throw shooting contest as both teams got into foul trouble. The Chinese held an 18-11 at the end of the quarter thanks to four consecutive points from Chen Jianhua.

In the second quarter, the Chinese brought in Wang Zhizhi to play alongside Yi Jianlian in the frontcourt. This tactic not only strengthened China's advantage in the paint, but also created space for perimeter shooters. China quickly scored two three-pointers and went into halftime with a 12-point lead.

The Chinese came out strong in the third quarter, extending the lead to 18 points behind Yi's seven. But the Croatians showed their resilience with an 8-0 run that included two three pointers. Before the end of the quarter, Team China's captain Li Nan scored a crucial three-pointer to bring the lead back to 12.

The Croatians threatened in the fourth quarter, raining down baskets from beyond the arc to cut the deficit to just three points. After Yi Jianlian stopped the bleeding by attacking the basket and making three free throws, Croatia countered with a lay-up to keep the game close.

Holding on to just a four point lead, China found a closer in Chen Jianghua, who, in two possessions made a dagger three and a game-clinching steal, leading the Chinese to a 10-point victory.

Yi Jianlian finished with 18 points and 13 boards; Wang Shipeng added 17 points.

All revenue from this match was donated to disaster relief in Sichuan. The two teams will meet for the third time on Monday in Jiyuan, Henan province.