HAMBURG (FIBA U17 World Championship) - Serbia was seeking its second victory in group A play, but China showed great quality, refusing to end up on the losing side once again. Led by guard Guo Ailun (25 points) China, who trailed by as many as twelve midway through the first half, recovered ferociously. As the game was tied at 36 apiece going into halftime Serbia felt a lot of - maybe unexpected - pressure.

The would go down to the wire. With four minutes to play serbian center Marko Cirovic hit consecutive free throws to even the scores at 62:62. A little later China's driving force Ailun hit the deck hard after going for a contested layup and was substitiuted.

With a 70:63 lead and two minutes left to play he returned to the floor. China never relinquished as Jiguang Bi and Xiaochuan Zhai sealed the deal from the free throw line for a 74:71 victory.

Quotes

Fan Bin, China head coach: "We did not play a play well yesterday and did not do well at the beginning of today's game. Obviously we were the underdog, but got more confident over the course of the competition."

Nenad Trunic, Serbia head coach: “Congratulations to the Chinese coach and players. They played a good games, especially in defense. We started well but could not cope with their good zone defense.”

FIBA / JB