THE SIDELINES : Aussies Win Basketball Opener

Andrew Gaze, a former Seton Hall player, scored 27 points to lead Australia to a 106-85 victory over China today in the opening round of basketball’s World Cup.

The taller, stronger Australian squad dominated the backboards with 38 rebounds to 21 for China. After trailing in the first quarter, the Australians scored seven straight baskets and 19 of 21 points and never looked back.

China started well and was holding a 5-point lead early in the second quarter when center Li Gang Song collided with Mark Bradtke and crashed to the floor. He did not return.

“His head hit the floor and we thought it would be dangerous for him to continue playing,” Coach Changyou Wang said. “If he is well tomorrow, he will play tomorrow (against Brazil) and for the rest of the tournament.”

Fei Wang was high scorer for China with 26 points. Bradtke had 24 for Australia, and Andrew Vlahov came off the bench to score 18 and pull down 11 rebounds.