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Zhao Jiwei shines in China's 77-56 win over Italy

Xinhua, July 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

Young guard Zhao Jiwei led Chinese men's basketball team to its second consecutive win at the 2015 Sino-European Championship here on Saturday after beating Italian U22 team 77-56.

A 7-0 run helped Italy to close the gap to three points by the end of the first quarter. Zhao Jiwei hit a buzzer-beater before the halftime and China came into the third quarter at 33-31.

The host then performed a 12-0 run and forced Italian coach Attilio Caja to call a timeout. China outscored Italy 26-8 in that quarter and built a 20-point lead before the final period. Italy failed to narrow the gap in the end.

Zhao Jiwei finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists. [ "Zhao is a very good player. He's fast and can make shots," said China head coach Gong Luming. "He had a good communication with teammates and that's why he played well."

"This is the most important match of this championship and we prepared well for it. We had a good start but failed to maintain it in the second quarter. Fortunately, we adjusted in the second half," added Gong.

Wang Zhelin led China with 14 points. Yi Jianlian and Zhouqi scored 12 points apiece. Yi added seven rebounds and Zhou Qi dished out four blocks.

Italian captain Awudu Abass scored a match-high 16 points, while teammate Stefano Tonut took 14.

China will play against Ireland on Sunday. Endi