NANJING, China — Yao Ming was held to 14 points and the rest of China's team was overwhelmed by dogged Australia defense in a 67-55 loss Wednesday in a pre-Olympic warmup.

The Houston Rockets center was 5-for-8 from the field in 30 minutes. Yao had few touches as Australia forcing 25 turnovers.

"We have a lot to improve on in a short time, but we will do our best," Yao said.

Yao clashed under the basket with Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut, who finished with nine points.

China has built its game around Yao, who just weeks ago returned from a foot injury that prematurely ended his NBA season. China coach Jonas Kazlauskas has used different player combinations to help feature the 7-foot-6 Yao.

Neither former Dallas Mavericks center Wang Zhizhi or New Jersey Nets power forward Yi Jianlian contributed much in China's second game in the FIBA Diamond Ball tournament. Wang had four points and Yi missed all three field goal attempts. Veteran Li Nan added 11 points.

Guard Liu Wei, who worked well with Yao in Tuesday's 83-74 win over Angola, was sent to the hospital after crashing into a screen set by Australia center Chris Anstey. Liu's condition wasn't immediately known.

Kazlauskas said turnovers early in the game hurt China.

"For sure, we didn't play a good game," the Lithuanian said.

Anstey led Australia with 11 points. Coach Brian Goorjian wanted to see more points.

"Offensively, we've just got to get better," said Goorjian, noting Bogut had recently joined the team.

Australia joins Croatia, Iran, Lithuania, Russia and Argentina in Group A at the Olympics. China faces Angola, Germany, Greece, Spain and the United States in Group B.