09/06/26 10:53:00
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09/06 10:52 CDT China edges Czech Republic in overtime thriller at Women's
Basketball World Cup, US-Italy later
China edges Czech Republic in overtime thriller at Women's Basketball World
Cup, US-Italy later
By CIARAN FAHEY
AP Sports Writer
BERLIN (AP) --- China needed overtime to edge the Czech Republic 74-70 in a
thrilling game at the Women's Basketball World Cup on Sunday.
Han Xu scored 22 points and drew China level at 53-53 in the final quarter
after her team had trailed for most of the game.
Eliska Joklov put the Czechs 64-59 up with 27 seconds left only for Luo Xinyu
to respond with a three-pointer and Yang Shuyu to level at 64-64 with 3 seconds
to go. There was still time for Joklov to miss another chance to clinch the
win. Joklov had also just missed two free throws before Yang tied it.
Yang also completed the scoring in overtime for China, which failed to get the
most from 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu. The 19-year-old sensation could only score three
points in her second game after 13 on her World Cup debut against the United
States on Friday.
China next faces Italy on Monday in a game that will likely decide second place
in Group D. The Czech Republic faces elimination after two losses before its
final group game against the United States.
The U.S. was playing Italy later Sunday with Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and
Paige Bueckers bidding to stretch the Americans' winning run to 32 games. The
U.S. hasn't lost a game at the World Cup since the semifinal game of the 2006
tournament.
Australia makes it 2 from 2
Ezi Magbegor scored 21 points as Australia reached the final phase with a
physical 87-71 win over Turkey earlier.
Turkey, led by Sevgi Uzun with 24 points, was down 8-0 at the start but fought
back after a timeout to lead 15-14. That was brief, however, as the Opals
rallied to end the first quarter 21-15 up and did not relinquish the lead for
the rest of the game.
Turkey's Goksen Fitik went off with what appeared to be a right-ankle injury in
the third quarter but she returned in the fourth.
The Australian team features seven World Cup debutants. Team captain Sami
Whitcomb of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury had to withdraw before the tournament
with a lingering knee injury.
Australia next plays European champion Belgium on Monday in a showdown that
will likely decide which team progresses directly to the quarterfinals as group
winner. Australia, after two wins, is already assured of at least a playoff
place in the final phase of the competition.
Belgium faced Puerto Rico in their second group game later Sunday.
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