China has real test on 79-72 win over Cuba

China won a real world-level competition against Cuba by 79-72 on Friday at an international four-nation women's basketball invitation here.

Guard Bian Lan led the Chinese team for the third consecutive night with 23 points, nine assists and six rebounds, while center Chen Nan had 21 points and eight rebounds.

In previous two matches, China easily defeated New Zealand and Argentina.

"I'm gratified with the victory," China's head coach Tom Maher said.

"Both Cuba andn China are on the same 7-9 (placing) level in the world. If we want to move up to the 5-6 level, we must beat all the teams of our level. Tonight is a victory I'm really wanted," the Australian added.

China lost Cuba 79-77 in a 11-12th placing finals in last-year's world championships.

On Friday's night, China beat its opponent in each of the first three quarters to built up a double-digit leading gap for the victory.

China, Cuba and New Zealand will fly to Shanghai for more face-off while Argentina will stay in Chengdu to play friendlies against China's youth team.