Host China roared into the Olympic women's basketball semifinals for the first time in 16 years on Tuesday, beating Belarus 77-62 in the quarterfinal.
Miao Lijie scored a game-high 28 points from a 10-of-14 field goals including a 3-of-5 three-pointers for China, who took silver at the Barcelona Olympics 16 years ago but never reached the last four since then.
"We have not played like this for a long time," Miao told the news conference. "We played with a very good teamwork and did all together just like one person. I am satisfied with the result and will try our best in the semifinals."
The Chinese will fight for a berth of final with current world champion Australia who crushed the Czech Republic 79-46 in Tuesday's another quarterfinal.
China took the lead early and finished the first period 19-13 after a 12-7 run and led as many as 13 points with two minutes to play in the second quarter.
The host led 38-25 at halftime and expanded it to 54-32 with a 16-7 spurt with 4:30 left in the third quarter.
Belarus never gave in and cut the cap to 47-56 on Yelena Leuchanka's layup with 7:40 remaining in the fourth quarter.
China regained the game as Miao scored seven to help China to a 15-4 run for a 71-51 lead, the biggest margin of the game. Belarus managed to close but never fewer than 11 points.
The Chinese shot 46 percent for 26-of-54 from the field goals including 4-of-9 out of long range to Belarus's 43 percent and forced the opponent to 27 turnovers, 15 of them in the first half.
Chen Xiaoli added 15 points for China, who was outrebounded 22- 41 by Belarus, who took part in the Olympic basketball for the first time.
Tatyana Troina led Belarus with 15 points, Anastasiya Verameyenka adden 13 and 10 rebounds and Olga Leuchanka hit 13 and grabbed 13 rebounds.
"I feel quite release now," said Tom Maher, the Chinese head coach. "It's not an easy way for us to win the game. I have to thank to Miao Lijie, who played great in the crucial time and lead the team for the victory."
(Xinhua News Agency August 19, 2008)