Yao Ming had 25 points and 11 rebounds to help China earn a quarterfinals berth after ousting Germany 59-55 in a hard-fought Group B matchup.

Yao Ming (R) of China lays up during the match China VS Germany in men's preliminary round group B of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Basketball event in Beijing, China, Aug. 16, 2008. [Xinhua]

Dirk Nowitzki had 24 points and 17 rebounds for Germany but he missed a potential tying 3-pointer and lost his ball on the next possession to give up the last hope.

Yi Jianlian, who had nine points and 11 rebounds, buried a crucial 12-foot jumper to set the whole audiences into ovation as China led 58-55 with 28.1 seconds left on the clock.

China (2-2) secured a berth for next round no matter what results come out on the final day of the preliminary round when China face Greece and Germany (1-3) face the United States.

Chinese players and coaches jubilate during the match China VS Germany in men's preliminary round group B of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Basketball event in Beijing, China, Aug. 16, 2008.[Xinhua]

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2008)