KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand women's basketball team took plenty of encouragement from a narrow loss to China last night (NZT).
The Tall Ferns pushed the Chinese hard before losing 67-71 in Ningbo.
The match was a shakedown for the Good Luck Beijing tournament starting on Saturday, when New Zealand open their account against Cuba.
The Tall Ferns, who have already been chosen to compete at the Olympic Games in Beijing in August, upset China in pool play at the 2004 Olympics to progress to the quarterfinals, but were beaten by 29 points when the coutnries met in Shanghai last year.
Last night they were behind 28-31 at halftime and pushed China all the way.
The Chinese team are coached by former Tall Ferns coach Tom Maher.
New Zealand drew within a point in the dying seconds but had to foul to regain possession, allowing their rivals to draw away through free throws.
"It was a great result," said coach Mike McHugh.
"All the girls played well and we got good scoring across the team.
"Our `bigs' totally outplayed the much bigger Chinese players. Tom was very impressed with our improvement."
Tall Ferns captain Aneka Kerr and Lisa Wallburton both scored 14 points.
New Zealand upset China in pool play at the 2004 Athens Olympics to progress to the quarterfinals but were beaten by 29 points when the rivals met in Shanghai last year.
- NZPA
