Yao Ming scored 25 points to lead China to a dramatic 59-55 win over Germany on Saturday, keeping China's hopes alive in the men's Olympic basketball competition. The Houston Rockets center scored the game's first four points on field goals and drove his teammates the entire way with regular baskets and sharp passing. Yi Jianlian of the New Jersey Nets added nine points and grabbed 11 rebounds for China (2-2). Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 points and had 15 rebounds for Germany. The Germans, 1-3, appear doomed to bounce out of the tournament in Nowitzki's first Olympic appearance. “I'm very happy for the players. It was a difficult game psychologically. We played at home and had to win,” China's Lithuanian-born coach Jonas Kazlauskas said at a post-game news conference. The win puts China in the medal round for the second straight Olympics, although Yi said four years had made a huge difference. Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut scored 22 points to lead Australia to a 95-80 win over European champion Russia in Group A. Bogut, who recently signed a five-year, $72.5 million contract extension with Milwaukee, hit eight of 13 field goals and pulled down a team-leading eight rebounds in the win. C.J. Bruton added another 22 points, while Viktor Khryapa led Russia with 21 points. Russia fell behind 27-16 in the first quarter and were never able to make up the difference, while Australia took full advantage of the numerous fouls called on their opponents. Australia, which evened its record at 2-2, plays Lithuania on Monday while Russia faces defending Olympic champion Argentina. In another Group A game, Mindaugas Lukauskis scored 20 points to lead Lithuania to an 86-73 victory over Croatia. San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobli scored 32 points to boost defending Olympic champion Argentina to a 97-82 victory over Asian champion Iran. In an earlier Group B game, Ioannis Bourousis scored 22 points in Greece's 102-61 rout of Angola. The US topped Group B and remained unbeaten with a 119-82 victory over Spain. LeBron James scored 18 points. Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony each scored 16 points. – AP __
