Australia crushes China 84-70 in Diamond Ball

Chinese player Chen Xiaoli aims for the basket. (Photo credit: Wang Haofei / Xinhua)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, August 3) -- Australia beat China 84-70 on August 3 at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Diamond Ball for Women in Haining.

Lauren Elizabeth Jackson of Australia was the game's high scorer with 21 points. China's biggest contributor, Miao Lijie, scored 14 points, and her teammate Chen Xiaoli grabbed seven rebounds.

China had a good start, leading 9-6 at the beginning of the first quarter. However, Australia soon caught up, grabbed the lead and held on to it to end the quarter 23-16.

China strengthened its attack and opened the second quarter with a five-point run, narrowing the deficit to 23-21. The score remained unchanged for a stretch after reaching 28-23 until Australia broke the deadlock. The gap was gradually enlarged by Australia, who successfully doubled their lead, ending the quarter 49-33.

Australia ended the third quarter 68-50, increasing the gap to 18 points. Though eager to catch up, the Chinese women lacked the teamwork to pull it off.

Both sides sent more reserve players onto the court in the fourth quarter, which ended 84-70, demonstrating the power gap between the two teams.

China and Australia will be competing in different groups in the Olympic tournament.

In other news, Latvia will face the US team at 7:30 p.m. (UTC/GMT +8).