China needed a half game to beat Argentina, winning 85-48 on Thursday at an international women's basketball competition in Chengdu.

Bian Lan led the game with 21 points and China led 53-25 after the first half to stamp the authority.

Argentina was held to two points in the third quarter, in which it lost 19-2, before it cut off some deficit when China rested the starters in the fourth one.

China's head coach Tom Maher gave much credit to center Chen Nan, who scored nine points and grabbed three rebounds.

"In some possessions, Chen drew the defense and past the ball to the teammates. There is no stats for Chen, but I thought she is equal (important) as the scorers," Maher said.

In previous game, Cuba beat New Zealand 64-56 with Cuba and China to meet on Friday.
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(Xinhua News Agency June 15, 2007)