Yao Ming (L) of China shoots during Men's Preliminary Round Group B-Game 33 between China and Angola of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games basketball event at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 14, 2008. China beat Angola 85-68. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Yao Ming had 30 points and seven rebounds as China pocketed their first win by beating Angola 85-68 at the preliminary round of the Olympic men's basketball competitions on Thursday.

    The Houston Rockets center scored 17 points in the first half before China (1-2) beat Angola (0-3) 21-9 in the third quarter to lead 65-51.

    China led 35-31 in the second but let loose in the rest of the first half to witness Angola cut the lead short to 44-42 at the break.

    Joaquim Gomes led Angola with 17 points.

Yao Ming (rear) of China dunks during Men's Preliminary Round Group B-Game 33 between China and Angola of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games basketball event at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 14, 2008. China beat Angola 85-68. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin) Photo Gallery>>>