China's women basketball team stayed firmly in the hunt for a place in the quarter-finals by making three late free throws to clinch a thrilling triumph over Cuba at the World Championship.

Chinese women basketball players celebrate their 73-70 victory over Cuba. (sina.com photo)

(Source: fiba2006brazil.com)

In a contest that was close from start to finish, Cuban star Suchite Avila's three-pointer tied it at 68-68 with 2:36 remaining.

After Song Xiaoyun's lay-up put China back into a 70-68 lead, Yakelyn Plutin pulled Cuba level again with a pair of free throws.

Avila then fouled Bian Lan, who made one of two at the line for China.

After a Cuban turnover, Miao Lijie took her points tally to 19 for the game with two more at the stripe to finish the scoring and give China a 73-70 victory.

"I'm delighted," said China coach Tom Maher. "I am happy not only because of our win, but also because we played at good level.

"This reinforces the progress that we have made.

"I think besides us, Cuba is the team that has had the biggest progress for the last 12 months and I really didn't expect them to be so good."

Chen Nan had a game-high 22 points for China, while Yamara Amargo paced a balanced Cuban attack with 16.

Yayma Boulet had 14 for Cuba.

"I'm very happy about what we did today," added Maher, whose team had suffered a narrow defeat to the Czech Republic on Saturday.

"Our defense improved a lot during the second half and we made some great shots. Chen Nan turned into a super player and we attacked really well today."

Both Cuba and China have two wins in the competition so far.

Armando Acosta's team take on Russia in a game on Monday while China face France.