WCBA Round 31 (Regular Season): Zhejiang lose to Inner M.

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute surprises and upsets. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The game between second ranked Golden Bulls (13-14) and fourth ranked Mongolia (18-9) was the most important one in the last round on Tuesday night. Golden Bulls unexpectedly were defeated by in Yiwu 91-101. Inner M. dominated down low during the game scoring 76 of its points in the paint compared to Golden Bulls's 40. Inner M. outrebounded Zhejiang 43-22 including a 28-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Inner M. looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Kalani Brown (201-1997, college: Baylor, agency: LBM Management) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 45 points (!!!) and 19 rebounds (on 19-of-20 shooting from the field). The former international forward Ru Zhang (179-1999) contributed with 17 points and 4 assists for the winners. Nigerian-American guard Ezinne Kalu (173-1992, college: SSU) answered with 34 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds (made all of her thirteen free throws !!!) for Zhejiang. Inner M. moved-up to third place, which they share with Shanghai. Zhejiang lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the third position with 14 games lost. Inner M. is looking forward to face Shanghai (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Zhejiang will play against Fujian in Putian and is hoping to win this game.
An interesting game for Flame (22-5) which played road game in Shanghai against their biggest opponent Swordfish (18-9). First ranked Flame managed to get a 14-point victory 92-78. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Swordfish. It was a great evening for American center Olivia Nelson-Ododa (196-2000, college: UConn) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 15 rebounds. Chen Yujie helped adding 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side Puerto Rican-American Arella Guirantes (181-1997, college: Rutgers) responded with 28 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Swordfish's coach rotated eleven players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Flame have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. Shanxi maintains first place with 22-5 record. Shanghai at the other side dropped to the third position with nine games lost. They share it with Inner M.. Shanxi will play against Hebei (#6) in Hengshui in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Shanghai will play on the road against Inner M. in Hohhot and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
WCBA top team - hengfan (26-4) had no problems winning another game on Tuesday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Ganzhou (6-22) in Wuhan 96-62. It was a quality performance for Fu Jinqiu who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Sidney Cooks came up with 25 points for Ganzhou in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the thirteenth consecutive win for hengfan. Wuhan maintains first place with 26-4 record. Ganzhou lost their tenth game in a row. Newly promoted team keeps the eighth position with 22 games lost. Wuhan will again meet at home Ganzhou (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Ganzhou will have a break next round.

Other games in round 31 were not that significant. Shandong smashed Fujian on the road 88-69. Heilongjiang won against Tianjin on its own court 89-75. Hefei unfortunately lost to Shaanxi in Weinan 66-83. Xiamen was rolled over Henan at home 70-95. Beijing crushed Jiangsu on the opponent's court 88-60. Sichuan smashed Hebei in a home game 120-70. Guangdong won against Xinjiang on the road 83-66.
The most impressive performance of 31th round was 25 points and 11 rebounds by Chelsea Nelson of Guangdong.

The Round Review is presented by LBM Management. A full-service agency focused on Women's basketball sphere and working worldwide. A global and ethical quality service.

Fujian - Shandong 69-88

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Sports Lottery (14-13) crushed 6th ranked Fujian Nanan (1-26) in Putian 88-69 on Tuesday. Shandong dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Fujian Nanan's 32. They outrebounded Fujian 52-35 including 18 on the offensive glass. Shandong looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was an exceptional evening for Australian forward Alanna Smith (193-1996, college: Stanford) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 17 rebounds. The former international power forward Yang Hengyu (194-1995) accounted for 13 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side. Five Sports Lottery players scored in double figures. American center Tearra Banks (188-1995, college: Austin Peay) came up with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 14 rebounds and guard Min Fang (170-1998) added 19 points and 5 steals (made all of her eight free throws) respectively for Fujian in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the third consecutive win for Sports Lottery. Shandong moved-up to second place. Fujian lost their eighth game in a row. They keep the sixth position with 26 games lost. Shandong will meet at home Jiangsu (#4) in the next round. Fujian will play against Zhejiang and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Fujian: B.Tearra 31+14reb+2ast, F.Min 19+3reb+3ast, L.Qingyun 9+5reb+5ast, W.Ze 4+1reb, Z.Jingru 3+1reb+1ast, Q.Junxi 2+1reb
Shandong: S.Alanna 19+17reb+3ast, H.Yang 13+14reb+6ast, C.Wei 12+4reb+4ast, Q.Yanzi 11+4reb+7ast, D.Marquesha 10+1reb, W.Yingzhu 10+7reb+2ast

Heilongjiang - Tianjin 89-75

Very expected game when bottom-ranked Ronggang (0-28) lost to third ranked Dragons (20-10) in Daqing 75-89 on Tuesday. Heilongjiang dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Ronggang's 34. Heilongjiang looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Myisha Hines-Allen (185-1996, college: Louisville) who led the winners with a triple-double by scoring 23 points, 11 rebounds, 14 assists and 4 steals. Guard Zhou Yueming (170-1999) accounted for 19 points for the winning side. Four Dragons players scored in double figures. Forward Yanhua Zhao (178-2000) came up with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and forward Ziqi Han (180-1999) added 13 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Tianjin in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the third consecutive win for Dragons. Heilongjiang maintains third place with 20-10 record having just one point less than leader Wuhan. Tianjin lost their twenty eighth game in a row. They still close the standings with 28 games lost. Heilongjiang will meet at home Tianjin (#9) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Tianjin will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Tianjin: Z.Yanhua 19+5reb+5ast, W.Liu 13+2reb+2ast, H.Ziqi 13+7reb+2ast, F.Zhao 8, Z.Jianping 7+6reb+2ast, Y.Cui 7+4reb
Heilongjiang: H.Myisha 23+11reb+14ast, Y.Zhou 19+4reb+2ast, R.Bi 15+4reb, B.Kennedy 11+6reb+1ast, R.Sun 8+1reb+1ast, L.Shuqing 5+2reb+2ast

Shaanxi - Hefei 83-66

Rather predictable result when fourth ranked Red Wolves (19-9) won against 6th ranked Hefei (13-15) in Weinan 83-66 on Tuesday. Shaanxi made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. Shaanxi outrebounded Hefei 46-24 including a 32-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was an exceptional evening for American center Queen Egbo (193-2000, college: Baylor) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. Her fellow American import guard Linnae Harper (175-1995, college: Ohio St.) accounted for 18 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. Four Red Wolves players scored in double figures. American point guard Kiana Williams (170-1999, college: Stanford) came up with 14 points and 5 rebounds and forward Xiong Zhongyi (179-1999) added 13 points respectively for Hefei in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Shaanxi maintains fourth place with 19-9 record. Hefei lost their sixth game in a row. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth position with 15 games lost. Shaanxi will again meet at home Hefei (#6) in the next round. Hefei will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Hefei: W.Kiana 14+5reb+1ast, Z.Xiong 13+2reb+2ast, Y.Shao 9+3reb+1ast, G.Feng 6+1reb, L.Xi-Ye 6+1reb+1ast, Z.Zhong 5+2reb
Shaanxi: H.Linnae 18+9reb+2ast, Y.Su 16+9reb+3ast, E.Queen 16+10reb+3ast, Z.Zhuoya 13+1reb, L.Qi 7+1reb+4ast, D.Shang 6+4reb+2ast

Shanghai - Shanxi 78-92

An interesting game for Flame (22-5) which played road game in Shanghai against their biggest opponent Swordfish (18-9). First ranked Flame managed to get a 14-point victory 92-78. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Swordfish. Shanxi made 25-of-33 charity shots (75.8 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. It was a great evening for American center Olivia Nelson-Ododa (196-2000, college: UConn) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 15 rebounds. Forward Chen Yujie (178-2000) helped adding 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side Puerto Rican-American Arella Guirantes (181-1997, college: Rutgers) responded with 28 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and Brazilian center Kamilla Cardoso (201-2001, college: S.Carolina) scored 18 points and 9 rebounds. Five Shanxi and four Shanghai players scored in double figures. Swordfish's coach rotated eleven players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Flame have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. Shanxi maintains first place with 22-5 record. Shanghai at the other side dropped to the third position with nine games lost. They share it with Inner M.. Shanxi will play against Hebei (#6) in Hengshui in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Shanghai will play on the road against Inner M. in Hohhot and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shanghai: G.Arella 28+5reb+5ast, C.Kamilla 18+9reb, J.Huang 11+3reb+1ast, Y.Li 10+2reb+5ast, X.Pan 6+3reb+1ast, Z.Zhang 3+2reb
Shanxi: Y.Chen 25+6reb+4ast, N.Olivia 22+15reb+2ast, R.Mercedes 16+7reb+2ast, K.Song 15+2reb+12ast, Z.Ruoyun 10+3reb+2ast, H.Juntong 4+1ast

Wuhan - Ganzhou 96-62

WCBA top team - hengfan (26-4) had no problems winning another game on Tuesday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Ganzhou (6-22) in Wuhan 96-62. Wuhan dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Ganzhou's 28. Wuhan forced 20 Ganzhou turnovers and outrebounded them 54-19 including a 24-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Wuhan looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a quality performance for center Fu Jinqiu (188-1996) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Mongolian center Khulan Onolbaatar (180-1999) accounted for 22 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side. Four hengfan players scored in double figures. American power forward Sidney Cooks (193-1998, college: Seton Hall) came up with 25 points and guard Tian Yangyang (170-1995) added 7 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Ganzhou in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the thirteenth consecutive win for hengfan. Wuhan maintains first place with 26-4 record. Ganzhou lost their tenth game in a row. Newly promoted team keeps the eighth position with 22 games lost. Wuhan will again meet at home Ganzhou (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Ganzhou will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Ganzhou: C.Sidney 25+1reb, J.Zhang 8+2reb, Y.Tian 7+5reb+6ast, X.Lin 7, J.Jiang 5+5reb, Y.Xu 4+1reb+3ast
Wuhan: J.Fu 22+14reb+7ast, O.Khulan 22+12reb+1ast, Y.Ding 19+2reb, W.Peyton 14+6reb+4ast, L.Zhuofan 6+3reb+2ast, H.Pan 5+8reb+1ast

Xiamen - Henan 70-95

Not a big story in a game when 7th ranked Xiamen (8-20) was outscored at home by second ranked Henan Phoenix (20-8) 95-70 on Tuesday. Henan made 21-of-23 free shots (91.3 percent) during the game. It was an exceptional evening for American center Kelsey Bone (193-1991, college: Texas A&M) who led the winners and scored 23 points and 8 rebounds. Her fellow American import forward Emma Cannon (188-1989, college: FSC) accounted for 20 points and 6 rebounds (made all of her eight free throws) for the winning side. Henan Phoenix's coach felt very confident using 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American center Imani McGee-Stafford (201-1994, college: Texas) came up with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 15 rebounds and center Li Tong (192-1995) added 16 points and 11 rebounds respectively for Xiamen in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Henan Phoenix. They maintain second place with 20-8 record having just one point less than leader Wuhan. Xiamen lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the seventh position with 20 games lost. Henan will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Xiamen will play against the league's second-placed Henan (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Xiamen: M.Imani 25+15reb+1ast, T.Li 16+11reb+1ast, M.Sianni 12+3reb+2ast, Y.Wong 11+6ast, Y.Li 4+4reb+3ast, Y.Huang 2+2ast
Henan: B.Kelsey 23+8reb+2ast, C.Emma 20+6reb+2ast, P.Hsiao-Tong 17+5reb+3ast, M.Kamaria 14+4reb, C.Wei-An 10+1reb+2ast, S.Sun 8+2reb+3ast

Zhejiang - Inner M. 91-101

The game between second ranked Golden Bulls (13-14) and fourth ranked Mongolia (18-9) was the most important one in the last round on Tuesday night. Golden Bulls unexpectedly were defeated by in Yiwu 91-101. Inner M. dominated down low during the game scoring 76 of its points in the paint compared to Golden Bulls's 40. Inner M. outrebounded Zhejiang 43-22 including a 28-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Inner M. looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Kalani Brown (201-1997, college: Baylor, agency: LBM Management) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 45 points (!!!) and 19 rebounds (on 19-of-20 shooting from the field). The former international forward Ru Zhang (179-1999) contributed with 17 points and 4 assists for the winners. Nigerian-American guard Ezinne Kalu (173-1992, college: SSU) answered with 34 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds (made all of her thirteen free throws !!!) and guard Dong Keer (170-1999) added 22 points in the effort for Zhejiang. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Inner M. moved-up to third place, which they share with Shanghai. Zhejiang lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the third position with 14 games lost. Inner M. is looking forward to face Shanghai (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Zhejiang will play against Fujian in Putian and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Zhejiang: K.Ezinne 34+8reb+2ast, K.Dong 22+1ast, J.Yu 12+4reb+5ast, M.Zhang 11+3reb+6ast, F.Sun 7+2reb+1ast, J.Wang 3+2reb+7ast
Inner M.: B.Kalani 45+19reb+2ast, Z.Ru 17+4reb+4ast, W.Lili 13+4reb+5ast, M.Sun 12+2reb+4ast, Y.Li 7+4reb+13ast, S.Ning 5+1reb+1ast

Jiangsu - Beijing 60-88

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fifth ranked Beijing Great Wall (12-15) outplayed 4th placed Jiangsu (10-17) in Nanjing 88-60 on Wednesday. Beijing forced 20 Jiangsu turnovers. It was a great shooting night for Beijing especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 69.2 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Jiangsu's players. It was an exceptional evening for forward Zhang Jingyi (171-1998) who led the winners and scored 22 points and 5 rebounds. American forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (193-1992, college: MTSU) accounted for 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Four Beijing Great Wall players scored in double figures. International forward Luo Xinyu (187-2001) came up with 17 points and 6 rebounds and center Xu Chenyan (200-1999) added 10 points and 10 rebounds (made all of her eight free throws) respectively for Jiangsu in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Beijing maintains fifth place with 12-15 record. Jiangsu lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the fourth position with 17 games lost. Beijing will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Jiangsu will play against the league's second-placed Shandong (#2) in Penglai and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu: X.Luo 17+6reb+1ast, C.Xu 10+10reb+1ast, O.Michaela 8+1reb+1ast, X.Chen 7+2reb+3ast, M.Wu 6, X.Wang 4+4reb+2ast
Beijing: J.Zhang 22+5reb+1ast, M.Aari 18+2reb+2ast, P.Cheyenne 17+7reb+2ast, Y.Liu 13+5reb+1ast, W.Xuemeng 9+2reb+2ast, T.Yu 3+5reb+4ast

Sichuan - Hebei 120-70

There was no surprise when 6th ranked Power (4-23) was outleveled by first ranked Yuanda (26-1) in Chengdu 120-70 on Wednesday. Sichuan dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Power's 34 and made 18-of-20 free shots (90.0 percent) during the game. Sichuan outrebounded Hebei 40-26 including a 34-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Sichuan looked well-organized offensively handing out 34 assists comparing to just 15 passes made by Hebei's players. It was an exceptional evening for Australian center Elizabeth Cambage (205-1991) who led the winners and scored 21 points and 8 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). The former international forward Meng Li (185-1995) accounted for 19 points and 8 assists for the winning side. Five Yuanda players scored in double figures. Yuanda's coach Milos Paden felt very confident using entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. American-Lebanese forward Trinity Baptiste (183-1998, college: Arizona) came up with 27 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and American guard Destiny Littleton (175-1999, college: USC) added 10 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Hebei in the defeat. The victory was the third consecutive win for Yuanda. Defending champion maintains first place with 26-1 record. Loser Power keeps the sixth position with 23 games lost. Sichuan will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hebei will play against the league's leader Shanxi (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hebei: B.Trinity 27+5reb+4ast, B.Li 11+3reb+3ast, L.Destiny 10+5reb+3ast, X.Bai 9+2reb+1ast, M.Sun 8+4reb+1ast, Y.Hu 3+4reb+2ast
Sichuan: C.Elizabeth 21+8reb+1ast, H.Xu 19+5reb+3ast, L.Meng 19+2reb+8ast, W.Siyu 16+3reb+2ast, G.Song 11+7reb+2ast, L.Yuting 8+6reb+5ast

Xinjiang - Guangdong 66-83

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Vermilion Birds (19-8) beat 5th ranked Magic Deer (5-22) in Urumqi 83-66 on Wednesday. Guangdong looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American power forward Chelsea Nelson (188-1996, college: NC State) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. Her fellow American import guard Aliyah Collier (183-1997, college: Clemson) accounted for 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Vermilion Birds' coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. American forward NDea Jones (188-1999, college: Texas A&M) came up with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and Wu Yifan (184-1995) added 16 points respectively for Xinjiang in the defeat. Guangdong maintains second place with 19-8 record having just three points less than leader Wuhan. Loser Magic Deer keeps the fifth position with 22 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Xinjiang: Y.Wu 16+2reb+2ast, J.N'Dea 12+14reb+3ast, M.Zhu 10+3reb+1ast, Y.Li 8+2reb+3ast, T.Wu 7+1reb+3ast, L.Dariauna 7+7reb+1ast
Guangdong: N.Chelsea 25+11reb+2ast, D.Dilichati 14+2reb+1ast, C.Aliyah 13+8reb+1ast, S.Huang 7+3reb+3ast, D.Yu 6+4reb+2ast, L.Yang 5+2reb+7ast