China revenge on Japan, Nigeria make history at FIBA Women's World Cup

TENERIFE, Spain - China savored a 87-81 revenge on arch rivals Japan, while Nigeria became the first African team to move into the FIBA Women's World Cup quarterfinals at the 2018 edition on Wednesday.

It was China's first victory over Japanese first-string squad at major tournaments in the past five years following consecutive losses at the Asian Championships and Asian Cup.

Yang Liwei made four three-pointers to score 16 points, the same for captain Shao Ting. Huang Sijing had 14. Li Yueru added 12 points and eight boards.

Japan made five of six attempts beyond the arc for a 25-19 lead as the first quarter ran out, largely fueled by their starting point guard Nako Motohashi's 10 points.

Through substitutes' concerted effort, China could remain in contention. Shao Ting's fast break layup turned the tides for China to lead 43-41 for the first time since the start with 1:26 remaining. Li Meng's another three-pointer put China 46-44 ahead into the halftime.

Yang Liwei shone with two shots from outside late in the third quarter, lifting China to a 67-57 lead heading into the final period, the first time they established a double-figure advantage since the tip-off.

Japan cut the deficit as close as two points, but China kept their nerves through solid performance on free throw line despite Monica Okoye's eight late points.

Huang Sijing had a morale-boosting block and two rebounds to keep China marching on.

Motohashi finished a game-high 25 points for Japan deprived of their star center Ramu Tokashiki. Evelyn Mawuli, Yuki Miyazawa and Okoye had 12 apiece.

China will face Group B winner Australia, featuring WNBA All-star center Liz Cambage, in Friday's quarterfinal.