Yi Jianlian had 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead China to a strong fourth-quarter comeback to beat Croatia's second-string national team 76-66 here on Saturday.

(Photo: Xinhua)

It was China's second victory over the visitors, who lost the on Thursday in Yantai, Shandong province.

Yi, who entered the NBA last year, helped by teammates Wang Shipen's 17 points, and ex-NBA player Wang Zhizhi and Chen Jianghua, each scored 12 for China, who played without injured NBAAll-Star Yaoming.

China took control early, leading by 10 points with a minute left in the first and by as many as 18 before taking a 38-26 advantage into the second half.

Croatia fought back, outscoring the host 10-4 to draw within three points 66-63, but Yi's three points from foul lines and Chen's four to make it 73-65.

The teams will play again in Jiyuan, Henan province, on Monday to finish their friendly tour.

(Photo: Xinhua)

(Xinhua News Agency June 16, 2008)