Game Report, China vs Nigeria, 71-59 - Group C

BARUERI (2006 FIBA World Championship for Women) - China made sure of Asian representation in the eight-finals by defeating Nigeria in the last game of Group B play.

Lijie Miao had 22 points and Xiaoli Chen poured in 20 to pace the winners, who established control early against the Africans, building a 24-15 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Kevin Lee Cook’s side rebounded well and got a lot of fast break baskets to stay within striking distance, though, and trailed only 33-26 at half-time.

The Far East giants outscored them 20-12 in the third quarter and that propelled them to victory.

"It was a great contest," Maher said.

"Nigeria is so strong, and the way they rebounded today was a big problem for us."

The African team grabbed 36 rebounds to 30 for China.

"They are much more of a group now than they were in the (Athens) Olympics, more of a team.

"Itoro Umoh played so well, she is so good in fast breaks, that was also a huge obstacle.

"I think it was a fair result. We couldn't have won for much more than we did. As long as we play with honor as we did today, I'm happy."

Umoh led Nigeria with 14 points, Mfon Udokoa - the sister of Nigerian men’s international Ime Udoka - had 13 and Aisha Mohammed 11.

Mohammed pulled down 10 rebounds while Udoka finished with eight.

"Anybody who has ever been in a competition knows how bad it hurts to lose," Cook said.

"I compliment Tom Maher and his team for the great job they have done; it's amazing how much they have improved.

"It was a great game. I'm very proud of Nigeria, I think you are going to see a lot of us in the next few years."

Tom Maher’s team will now take on the Czech Republic, France and Cuba in the eight-finals.
And if they progress to the last eight, they may face Australia - the national side Maher used to coach.

The Aussies face Spain, Brazil and Argentina in eight-finals group.

"Now we have very strong opponents ahead of us," Maher said.

"I would kill to face Australia, that would mean I'm in quarter-finals."

Maher, an Australian, says he would have no problem coaching against his country.

"The team is renewed, there are many players who I didn't work with," he said.

"Besides, I don't work for Australia and I love to compete. That wouldn't be a problem at all."

Day 3 boxscores:

Korea vs Argentina: 64-73
Chinese Taipei vs Czech Republic: 72-93
Brazil vs Spain: 66-67
France vs Cuba: 73-78
Lithuania vs Senegal: 74-63
USA vs Russia: 90-80
Canada vs Australia: 65-97
Nigeria vs China: 59-71

By PA Sport