BEIJING — One of the favorites prevailed on Tuesday but just barely. Spain came from behind to beat China, 85-75 in overtime, in Pool B play at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium, thwarting an upset bid that took the vinegar out of the locals in attendance.
Spain trailed 46-37 at halftime but fought back to tie it at 70-70 on Juan Carlos Navarro's 3-pointer with 2:10 left.
Wang Zhizhi hit one of many big baseline jumpers to give China the lead with 1:09 left. But when Spain big man Marc Gasol answered, scoring over Yao Ming with a desperate fall-away jumper that put him on his butt, it turned out to be the key basket as Spain pulled away in overtime.
