By Rikki N. Massand (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-02-03 12:53

Milwaukee Bucks forward Yi Jianlian (9) and Houston Rockets center Yao Ming (11), both from China, face each other for the second time this season in the first quarter during NBA action in Milwaukee, Wisconsin February 2, 2008. The Rockets won 91-83 and Yao scored 12 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while Yi got six points. [Agencies]

 

Milwaukee - Twenty-four hours before the Super Bowl the Midwest was abuzz as China's two brightest athletic talents clashed at the Bradley Center. Events throughout the day in Milwaukee celebrated Spring Festival, with the grand finale being basketball - the much-anticipated second and final meeting between Yi Jianlian's Bucks and Yao Ming's Rockets.

It was close until the end but Houston prevailed, 91-83, winning their seventh straight game behind 33 points from Rockets' star Tracy McGrady. Houston, fresh off a win Friday night in Indiana, shot 50.7 % for the game and outrebounded Milwaukee 50-37.

The rookie Yi finished with 6 points and 7 rebounds in just under 30 minutes while Western Conference All-Star starter Yao had a quiet night with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Bucks' center Andrew Bogut, the NBA's No. 1 overall pick in 2005, outplayed Yao Saturday night, quickly scoring 10 points as Yao was forced to sit after picking up two early fouls. Bogut finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds and a game-high 4 blocked shots.

Late in the third quarter Bogut hit a left-handed hook shot over Yao to cut Houston's lead to 56-52. With Yi on the bench the Bucks briefly took the lead early in the fourth when forward Charlie Villanueva put back a miss by Bogut, as the native of Australia kept challenging Yao's defense in the low post.

The Bucks faltered after that as McGrady and his backcourt mates Bonzi Wells and Rafer Alston controlled the game with quick scores and crisp passing.

Fans from neighboring cities like Chicago made the trek to snowy Milwaukee to see the game, and the Chinese-American community led the announced sellout crowd of 18,717. They cheered loudly and raised Chinese banners as Yi began the game with a move to the basket against Yao, although Houston's Shane Battier deflected the shot. Yi shot poorly, making only 1 of his 10 shots but he made all 4 of his free throws.

The Rockets led 42-37 at halftime before going on a 6-0 run to start the third quarter. Tracy McGrady had 23 points through three quarters, while Yao was held to 5 points and committed 3 turnovers before stepping up in the fourth. With the win Houston improved to 27-20 while the Bucks fell to 18-30 on the season.

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