The Chinese men's national basketball squad won Team American United to claim their first friendly game victory 81-77 on Wednesday. The return of three key players, Yi Jianlian, Zhou Qi, and Guo Ailun to the team's playing line-up reflected in the win.

According to Xinhua, Li Gen sealed the win for the Asian giant after making two free-throws with 2.2 seconds in the game. The Americans took a 7-0 run in the final minutes of the match to cut China's lead from nine points to only two at 79-77.

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Joey Williamson then snatched the ball from Guo Ailun, but Micthell Anderson missed the lay-up. Li Gen was fouled with 3.1 seconds remaining; he made two free shots.

China opened the match with a 7-2 score, but their opponent threw in three three-pointers in the first period to stay in the game. The Chinese side ended the first half leading by five points before the Team American United knotted the score at 63-all.

NBA aspirant Zhou Qi and Liaoning Flying Leopards star player Guo Ailun led the Chinese team in the final period by as many as nine points before their opponent clawed back.

"We failed to do well in defense, protecting rebounds and reducing turnovers." Chinese national team Head Coach Gong said. "I asked my players to focus on defense, but we still were outrebounded 36-48. We also had 20 turnovers. We got advantage in height but we didn't take good use of it."

Guo Ailun led China with 16 points while Zhou Qi took 15. Former NBA player and reigning CBA Domestic MVP Yi Jianlian added 11 points in less than 11 minutes.

"Zhou Qi played well tonight. But I think he can do better than this," added Gong.

The two teams will play their next two matches in Henan Province's Jiaozhuo and Luoyang on Friday and Sunday.

Tagschinese national basketball team, Yi Jianlian, Zhou Qi, Guo Ailun, chinese basketball association, Rio Olympics 2016