HAINING (FIBA Diamond Ball for Women) – China forced Latvia into a 25 turnovers on Tuesday and won an ugly game 63-51 to clinch third place at the FIBA Diamond Ball for Women.

The Latvians, who upset European champions Russia on the opening night of the event in Haining, then impressed in a loss to the United States but they were lethargic from the beginning against the Chinese and struggled all game, particularly at the charity stripe where they made just 15 of 28 (54%).

China won despite making just three of 19 shots from long range.

“It was a difficult game today because there wasn’t a lot of flow,” China coach Tom Maher said.

“The problem was we shot the ball poorly. There were good shots, and they didn’t go in. Latvia packed the key.”

Ieva Tare, the Latvia veteran who is coming back from a dislocated elbow, hit her head on the court and had to leave the game early but she said: “It’s okay. I’ll be fine.”

Song Xiaoyun led the China defense with four steals.

“I thought we played some excellent defense at times,” Maher said.

China’s Miao Lijie had 14 points to lead all scorers with Chen Xiaoli and Bian Lan each contributing 13.

Ieva Kublina was the only Latvia player to reach double figures in points with 10.

Anete Jekabsone-Zogota, who buried five three-balls in Latvia’s first two games, was one of five against China and finished with nine points.

FIBA