China's NBA star center Yao Ming has burst out to score a game-high of 39 points to lead China to a 69-62 victory over New Zeland in the group stage of the men's basketball event of the Athens Olympics.

The victory threw a lifeline to China which had to beat New Zealand to keep alive their hopes of making the quarterfinals of the Olympics.

In the presence of towering center Yao Ming, China seemed to be a high mountain that New Zealand could not scale.

China also organised a sound defense, forcing New Zealand to rely on three-pointers to keep themselves trailing in the game.

In the last moments, China managed to hold back the charge by New Zealand and sealed their first victory in the Athens Games.

On Thursday, China, who is aimig to finish within top eight in Athens, will face up to South American giant Argentina.   

(Photo Source: Reuters)