New Zealand edges China to meet Mexico in Stankovic Cup final

QINGYUAN, China, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) - Issac Foto scored a game-high 34 points as New Zealand rallied to beat China 89-82 on Thursday, advancing to the final with Mexico.

Foto scored 22 of his 34 points in the second half, inspiring New Zealand to overcome a seven-point deficit and win the game at last.

Guo Ailun, the hosts' best scorer in their last two games, maintained his sharpness in attack. The 21-year-old guard opened the scoring for the Chinese side with a three-pointer. But his nine points in the first quarter was not enough to build advantage for the hosts. New Zealand led the first quarter by 23-21.

Jia Cheng and Fang Shuo combined for 13 points in the second quarter to give China a 44-37 lead at the end of the first half.

With Foto standing out to dominate the paint, New Zealand managed to cut the deficit to only two points, at 65-63 by the third quarter.

The 21-year-old center forward even made a three-pointer, helping New Zealand to retake the lead in the fourth quarter. China were six points down with 54.4 second to go, and the foul strategy couldn't save the hosts from a three-game losing streak.

"The game was tough, China played very well, we did not shoot well in the first half, but we never gave up trying and happy to see we were better in second half," said New Zealand's coach Paul Henare. Endi