China defeats Angola 85-68 in men’s basketball

BEIJING (AP)—Houston Rockets center Yao Ming scored 30 points to lead China to an 85-68 win against Angola Thursday, giving the Olympic hosts their first victory of the Summer Games in men’s basketball.

Using an overwhelming height advantage, China dominated under basket and exploited frequently sloppy play by the African champions for easy baskets. Sun Yue added 11 points for China.

Joaquim Gomes had 17 points to lead Angola.

Yi Jianlian of the New Jersey Nets had his best game of the tournament, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds. But China coach Jonas Kazlauskas said there is still room for improvement.

“I’m think he still hasn’t found a good chemistry with Yao. This isn’t easy. But today much better,” Kazlauskas said.

China (1-2) plays Germany Thursday and Greece Saturday. Angola remain winless in the tournament.

In earlier games Thursday, Brad Newley scored 24 points to lead Australia to a 106-68 win against Iran. Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol had 13 points in Spain’s 72-59 victory against Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki and Germany. Nowitzki scored 11 points for Germany.