Yao Ming scored a game high 21 points for China but Serbia and Montenegro eventually pulled away to win their first game of the Diamond Ball Tournament on July 31, the FIBA website reported.

Playing after Argentina's victory over Angola, the world champions triumphed 92-78 against China now coached by American Del Harris.

Houston Rockets star Yao Ming, one of the top centers on show at the Olympics in August, also hauled down seven boards addition to the 21 points while Seattle Sonics power forward Vladimir Radmanovic had 16 points to pace the Serbia and Montenegro.

China gave as good as they got up to half-time, when the score was tied at 42-42, but the hosts took command over the next 10 minutes.

Zeljko Obradovic's team, who are playing without Sacramento Kings ace Peja Stojakovic and Atlanta Hawks center Zeljko Rebraca this summer - Stojakovic had other commitments while Rebraca is hurt - outscored the Chinese 29-11 in the third quarter and cruised home.

Serbia and Montenegro captain Dejan Bodiroga and Nenad Krstic had 12 points apiece for the winners.

Forward-center Nenad Krstic, a first-round pick two years ago by New Jersey, just last week signed a contract with the Nets.

Another future NBA player, Skipper Bologna's Milos Vujanic, was three of six from behind the arc and had 11 points. The Phoenix Suns currently own his rights.

Liu Wei, who will attend Sacramento's training camp in September with a view to becoming the first non-center from China to play in the NBA, had 15 points in a losing cause.

On Sunday, China take on Australia.

Source: Xinhua