Game Report, Russia vs China 86-66 , Group C

BARUERI (2006 FIBA World Championship for Women) - Russia claimed their second victory but China made things interesting for three quarters of the game.

Having been comprehensively beaten by two-time defending champions Team USA in their opener, China battled their way to a 42-42 tie at half-time.

Russia threatened to put some distance between themselves and the Far East giants at the start of the second half, but China hung tough and when center Chen Nan made a jump shot with 4:38 to play in the third quarter, the scores were level at 54-54.

Russia held the Chinese to just 12 points the rest of the way, however, and eventually won by 20 points.

"At the beginning of the game, our team was a little bit nervous, maybe they were too afraid of losing," said Russia coach Igor Grudin.

"But in the second half, we really played our game. I'd like to thank all of my players for showing such a strong character on court."

Maria Stepanova had 17 points and 12 rebounds for Russia.

Grudin's side also got 16 points from Olga Arteshina.

Russia out-rebounded China 49-28.

"Despite our loss, I think it was a fair game," said China's Australian coach Tom Maher.

"It was so uneven in there that we couldn't even get close to beating them. They were just so much better on the rebounds."

Next comes the much anticipated Group C showdown between Russia and the United States.

"I think tomorrow's match (against USA) will be even harder," said Stepanova.

"Maybe none of the teams will be willing to show all their weapons at this phase of the competition, but it doesn't mean we are not going to try our best on court."

Day 2 boxscores:

Spain vs Argentina: 64-77
Chinese Taipei vs France: 68-100
Brazil vs Korea: 106-86
China vs Russia: 66-86
Canada vs Lithuania: 58-84
Czech Republic vs Cuba: 73-51
Australia vs Senegal: 95-55
Nigeria vs USA: 46-79

PA Sport