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BEIJING (Olympic Test Event) – Korea made things interesting but China pulled away in the fourth quarter for an 80-69 win on Saturday.

In the final game of the first day of the 2008 Beijing Basketball Test Event, China got a game-high 26 points from Nan Chen and 18 from Xiaoli Chen.

They built a 43-26 lead at half-time, only for Korean to claw their way back and trail 53-49 late in the third period.

China did just enough to close out the win over the final 10 minutes, but Maher knows his team will have to play much better this summer if they are to have a chance of advancing beyond the preliminary round to challenge for a medal.

“I was obviously disappointed by our third quarter,” said China coach Tom Maher.

“Our players tried to play as stars and that’s not good if you are in a team sport.”

Yeon Ha Beon had 24 points for Korea, who were out-rebounded 37-24.

China finished 18 of 21 (86%) and 28 of 50 (56%) inside the arc, while Korea were nine of 24 from long range (38%) compared to just two of 10 (20%) for Maher’s side.

FIBA