Olympics: Miao leads China into women’s basketball semi-finals

Wednesday, 20 August 2008

BEIJING - Captain Miao Lijie scored 28 points as China beat Belarus 77-62 to reach the Olympic Games women's basketball semi-finals on Tuesday where they will tackle Australia.

China were never behind in the match and led by a comfortable 22 points midway through the third quarter although the bigger Europeans made their presence felt in rebounds with a game leading 41-22.

Belarus used that physical power to cut the deficit to just nine points with seven minutes left, but Miao rose to the occasion by scoring 11 of her team's last 17 points to clinch the win.

Chen Xiaoli came off the bench to hit 15 points while guard Bian Lan added eight.

Forward Tatyana Troina was Belarus's top scorer with 15 points while Anastasiya Veremeyenka added 13.

"We won because we were solid and the Chinese team have shown that for a long time," said Miao.

China's best Olympics performance was the runners-up spot at the 1992 Games in Barcelona.

"To be a top team and win medals, you don't just have to go from 10th place to the semi-finals," said China's Australian coach Tom Maher.

"You have to reach the top four consistently. If a team pops up in the top four and then disappears it's not enough. Your programme has to have longevity.

"China has to be in the top four in the next Olympics and then in the next. That's the test."

Australia, widely tipped to meet the defending champions United States in the final, beat the Czech Republic 79-46 in their last eight match but suffered an injury scare when Penny Taylor damaged her ankle.

The Aussies admit they will have a fight on their hands trying to outwit Maher, who acquired the nickname 'Guru' during his time at home.

"It'll be tough to play against him. I have great respect for Tom," said star centre Lauren Jackson.

Tuesday's late quarter-finals feature United States against South Korea and Russia facing Spain.