As a part of preparations for the FIBA World Cup, China's men's national squad is playing matches against Australia's NBL in an International Basketball Challenge.

Wang Zhelin and Kelanbaike combined for 41 points as the Chinese beat NBL United 101-98 in the second stop of the tournament in Nantong in Jiangsu Province on Friday.

In absence of key players including Yi Jianlian, Zhou Qi and Guo Ailun, the hosts won 89-77 in the first match on Wednesday in Qingdao but faced a tougher follow-up game.

"This was a tough game. We didn't play well in the first half and got better in the second. Players can learn how to win the game from it," said the Chinese team head coach Li Nan.

Wang, the newly-crowned CBA MVP, scored the first two baskets and Zhai Xiaochuan added a 3-pointer to give China an 18-12 lead. But the visitors came back quickly by making three consecutive 3-pointers to cut the deficit to 28-25 in the first quarter.

They kept their hands hot for a 10-0 spurt to begin the second quarter where they hit seven 3-pointers to lead 54-47 into the second half.

After the half break, China then geared up their attacks against their rivals' high 3-point field goal percentage. Sun Minghui made a tough 3-pointer to tie the game 75-75 at the start of the fourth quarter.

At clutch time, Wang who had a game-high 23 points, dominated the paint while Kelanbaike and Abudushalamu made a couple of jumpers to pace the hosts to the victory.

"My coach and teammates trust me and I always have the faith to make shots. The next match will be more difficult," Abudushalamu said.

The last game of the International Challenge will be held in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province on Sunday.

After that, the Chinese squad will travel to the United States to compete in the NBA Summer League in July.

China's head coach Li Nan has noted that the World Cup will be a more physical tournament for China compared to intercontinental games in which it has dominated tactically.

Li Nan believes defense is the priority for his team.

The national team will begin its home World Cup campaign in Beijing from August 31 to September 15 in Group A with Cote d'Ivoire, Poland and Venezuela.

(With input from Xinhua, Global Times)