
(Beijing, April 24) The "Good Luck Beijing" CNPC 2008 Women's Basketball International Invitational Tournament will jump off its last round robin games today as host China will take on its final rival USA one day before the gold-medal match.
China Vs. USA
China extended its unbeaten streak to four games after beating Cuba 66-58 last evening while four-time Olympic champion USA routed New Zealand 78-60 and gained its third consecutive win and ended with 3W-1L so far. According to Thomas Maher, head coach of the China's national team, the final rehearsal today will be a fight for honor.
Korea Vs. Cuba
In yesterday's matches, Cuba lost to China 66-58 while Korea was defeated by Australia by a small margin of 78-71. The two sides, ended with 2W-2L and 1W-3L respectively, will offer a duel between long-range shooting and inside play.
Australia Vs. New Zealand
Australia went back on winning track from a two-game losing streak as the Aussies captured a 78-71 victory over Korea yesterday. His team finishing with 2W-2L, Bob Elphinston, head coach of Australia, said the ups and downs of the team performance was because the rookies lack in experience. For New Zealand, after losing to USA 78-60 yesterday, the Oceanian champions have fallen in all the four round robin matches. For New Zealand's players, today's match is more like a battle for dignity.