Mexico upsets hosts China 92-80 in Stankovic Cup

Mexican second-string basketball team came from behind to beat Chinese Olympic team 92-80 in Stankovic Cup here on Monday.

The Mexicans made 11 of their 18 three-pointer shooting attempts and dominated the paint with 34 rebounds.

"We had a great game, we were defensively very strong and did very well behind the three-pointer line," said Mexican coach Manuel Cintron.

The hosts took an early advantage, as Zhu Yanxi and Fang Shuo contributed seven points apiece. Guo Ailun added another six points to help China lead by 24-16 in the first quarter.

The Mexicans were strong behind the three-pointer line in the second quarter. After Brody Manjarres made his third three-pointer to help Mexico take a 30-27 lead.

Zhu and Guo made good connection and combined 13 points to put China ahead again. The Chinese side led by 46-43 after the first half.

Guo opened the scoring for China in the third period and Chen Linjian added a 3-pointer to increase China's lead to five points. However, the Mexicans resurged both inside and outside. Justing Griffin's three pointer helped them retake a 55-52 lead with four minutes left. The Mexicans led by 64-60 into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter began with China finding the basket twice behind the three-pointer line. However, Mexico responded with three shots outside. Mexico led by 80-70 with 3:40 to go and maintained their advantage well, giving China no chance to come back.

"Our mentality were not at the best after we just won a title two days ago in Suzhou, and we did not know our opponents very well," said China coach Cui Wanjun.

"Our players did not show much patience in attack, which was ineffective," Cui added. Endi