China beats Cuba with crunch time free throws

(BEIJING, July 6) -- The Chinese Women's National Basketball Team beat Cuba 63-56 in their first friendly match on June 4 in Xinhui, Guangdong Province.

Team Cuba ranks eighth in the world, two places higher than Team China. However, the Cubans will not compete in the Beijing Olympics as they were eliminated in the FIBA qualifying tournament in Spain last month. They met China in the Good Luck Beijing competition, losing the game 58-66. This time they sent their full squad -- teamsters young and energetic, but technically flawed.

China's starting small forward Sui Feifei tore her thigh muscle during training and didn't play in this game.

In the beginning five minutes both teams had cold hands in scoring. After Bian Lan and Chen Xiaoli made two consecutive three pointers, the Chinese gradually found their touch and took the lead. At half time, Team China led 33-24 with 13 points from power forward Chen Xiaoli.

Coach Tom Maher of Team China brought on more young players in the second half who controlled the counter-attack from Team Cuba and ended the third quarter with a 50-42 lead. However, Team China choked in the last minutes of the fourth quarter as they were outplayed on both sides of the court. After the Cubans cut the lead to just three points, Team China wisely chose to get the ball to their center Chen Nan. The Chinese won the game after four clutch free throws from Chen Nan and Miao Lijie.

In the post match press conference, Chen Nan praised Team Cuba for their defense and determination. "They are a strong team, always giving their best and playing physically. I didn't have a good game today. My team and I are still in search of our best form. I hope we will see lots of improvement in the next two games."

These two teams will have two more friendly matches on June 5 and 7 in Guangdong Province.