Angola takes Russia in Stankovic Game 1

(BEIJING, July 17) -- Angola handily beat Russia in the opening game of the round-robin 2008 Borislav Stankovic Cup in Hangzhou, China's Zhejiang province.

This afternoon, it was the first quarter of play that proved most exciting. The score remained close with Russia lagging until guard Egor Vyaltsev got fouled on the breakaway and sunk both shots to tie it up 18-18.

With less than a minute on the clock, two free throws from center Fedor Likholitov's brought Russia in the lead 25-24. But Russia' scoring run wasn't done yet. On a breathtaking inbound play with 1.9 seconds left, Russia made a miracle three-pointer from way deep to close out the quarter 28-25.

Unruffled, Angola kept a steady game, outscoring Russia by ten points in the second quarter and pulling ahead for a score of 45-39 at the half.

Angola held their lead despite giving up a three-pointer in the last 6 seconds of the third quarter, outscoring Russia 27-20 in the third and 17-11 in the fourth. In the end Angola prevailed with a final of 89-70.

Russia, Angola and Serbia join the Chinese team for the Stankovic Cup, the only high level FIBA series held in China. All teams will be playing in the Beijing 2008 Olympics.