WNBA star Miao Lijie scored 25 points but failed to save China from an 80-74 loss to the Czech Republic at the four-nation women's basketball tournament in Henan.

China allowed the Czech Republic to streak away with a 47-33 lead at the half time.

The team then tightened up at both ends of the court, managing to reduce the gap to eight points with a quarter to play.

The scores locked at 75-74 with 30 seconds left, but the Czech Republic was able to string together a series of plays for a six-point victory.

China's 19-year-old center Liu Dan nipped 14 points for the home team.

The team's final game is with Australia, who lost their second match to Russia 71-64.

(CRI July 6, 2006)