China defeats Cuba 79-67 in Sino-Cuba Women's Basketball Challenge

China beat Cuba 79-67 in the first stop of 2015 Sino-Cuba Women's International basketball Challenge here on Wednesday.

Cuba's Isaac had the first two points into the game, which was Cuba's only lead throughout. The host led by 24-10 in the first quarter.

Cuba cut the deficit down to only six points in the second quarter before Huang Hongpin and Shao Ting respectively had four points to lift China again.

With a 11-0 streak, China extended its advantage to 55-36 in the second half but Cuba's Delgado helped the team with three three-pointers. Then Ji Yanyan had seven straight points and Cuba was never able to narrow the margin to less than 10 points. China won the game by 79-67 at the end.

"Interesting game," said coach of China Thomas Mather, "it showed some good signs, like our defense and transition."

Cuba's Delgado had a game-high 23 points. Shao Ting led China with 15 points and four assists. Both teams had three players scoring double-digits.

The next two games will be played in Jiaxing and Pinghu on Friday and Sunday.

China is due to participate in the Asian Basketball Championship this August in Hubei, China. The champion will secure a ticket to next year's Rio Games. Endi