China's NBA superstar, Yao Ming, scored 28 points as the Australian men's basketball team lost 84-82 at the pre-Olympic FIBA Diamond Ball tournament in Belgrade.

Boomers forward Matthew Nielsen, who has rejoined the team following a successful (northern) summer league tournament in the US with the Denver Nuggets, had 24 points for Australia, backed up by captain Shane Heal with 18.

The tournament continues tonight (Australian time) with finals play offs on Wednesday.

Following the Diamond Ball, the Boomers travel to Italy for a series of games before entering the Olympic Village in Athens on August 11.

The Boomers play their first game in the Olympic competition against Greece on August 15.

Source: agencies