Unbeaten China crowns in Sino-European Basketball Chmapionship

Host China beat Ireland 82-46 to stay unbeaten at the Sino-European Men's Basketball Championship here on Sunday.

Conor Grace made in a two-pointer to open the game for Ireland but it became their only time to lead in the whole match. A 15-5 first quarter set China a 10-point lead.

The host then outscored their opponent 21-10 in the second period and headed into the second half at 36-15. Two sides tied 18-18 in the third quarter. Zhai Xiaochuan's three three-pointers secured China their third consecutive victory of the tournament.

Zhai Xiaochuan scored 11 of his match-high 17 points in the last period to lead China. He also grabbed 12 rebounds. Yi Jianlian played for about 15 minutes in the first half but still took ten points and nine rebounds. Four Chinese players scored in double digits and Zhao Jiwei dished out six assists.

"Although we won the match, I'm not quite satisfied with my players' performance," said Gong Luming, China head coach. "We had a good defence and didn't well in offence. I can still see lots of problems."

Forward Keelan Cairns led Ireland with 12 points and six rebounds.

Endi