WCBA Round 4 (Regular Season): Liaoning climb to the leadership position

After 4 rounds played we can already see who rules in the WCBA and who belongs to weaker ones. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Liaoning Hengye as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Liaoning Hengye smashed bottom-ranked Ganzhou in Anshan 117-91. Liaoning dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Ganzhou's 36. Liaoning forced 19 Ganzhou turnovers and outrebounded them 46-20 including a 32-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Liaoning looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Myisha Hines-Allen (185-1996, college: Louisville) who helped to win the game recording a triple-double by scoring 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and who added 26 points during the contest. At the losing side responded with 21 points and 6 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Liaoning Hengye have a solid four-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Guangdong and Sichuan. Ganzhou at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Fujian Z. and Shaanxi. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Undefeated Hefei (3-1) recorded its first loss in Jiyuan. Visitors were edged by second ranked Henan Phoenix (3-1) 67-64. The winners were led by Nigerian-British center Temi Fagbenle (193-1992, college: USC) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 27 points and 12 rebounds and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough supported her with 7 points and 8 rebounds (made all of her seven free throws). Even 15 points, 6 assists and 7 steals by American point guard Diamond Johnson (165-1983, college: Norfolk St., agency: LBM Management) did not help to save the game for Hefei. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Henan Phoenix have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 3-1 record behind leader Guangdong, which they share with Wuhan and Hefei. Henan will again play against league's second-placed Hefei at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Hefei will play against Xiamen and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Quite upsetting was Beijing's home defeat in a game versus Shanghai who edged hosts 84-83. Americans were the main players on the court. Ruthy Hebard fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Kai James produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds for lost side. Shanghai (2-2) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Beijing Great Wall dropped to the ninth position with three games lost. They share it with Zhejiang and Hebei. Shanghai will meet Shanxi (#4) in the next round. Beijing will play against Zhejiang (#11) in Yiwu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 4: Xiamen destroyed Fujian Z. on the opponent's court 95-66. Wuhan was outscored by Jiangsu in a home game 58-92. Shandong lost to undefeated Guangdong on the road 70-79. Hebei was crushed by Xinjiang on its own court 64-90. Shanxi beat Shaanxi in Taiyuan 91-75. Sichuan destroyed Zhejiang at home 104-76.

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.

Henan - Hefei 67-64

Undefeated Hefei (3-1) recorded its first loss in Jiyuan. Visitors were edged by second ranked Henan Phoenix (3-1) 67-64. The winners were led by Nigerian-British center Temi Fagbenle (193-1992, college: USC) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 27 points and 12 rebounds and American point guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (175-1996, college: Maryland) supported her with 7 points and 8 rebounds (made all of her seven free throws). Even 15 points, 6 assists and 7 steals by American point guard Diamond Johnson (165-1983, college: Norfolk St., agency: LBM Management) did not help to save the game for Hefei. added 13 points and 6 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Henan Phoenix have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 3-1 record behind leader Guangdong, which they share with Wuhan and Hefei. Henan will again play against league's second-placed Hefei at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Hefei will play against Xiamen and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Henan: T.Fagbenle 27+12reb+3ast, M.Sun 10+4reb+2ast, S.Walker-Kimbrough 7+8reb+2ast, H.Wenxi 5+4reb+1ast, I.McGee-Stafford 4+3reb, M.Wen 4+1reb+2ast
Hefei: J.Diamond 15+4reb+6ast, L.Yuyan 13+6reb+1ast, N.Jaime 8+4reb+3ast, Y.Li 7+5reb, W.Ze 7+1reb+1ast, X.Pan 6+5reb

Fujian Z. - Xiamen 66-95

The game between closely ranked teams ended with bottom-ranked Fujian Nanan's (0-4) home loss to fourth ranked Xiamen (2-2) 66-95 on Tuesday. Xiamen dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Fujian Nanan's 40. Montenegrin center Ana Pocek (190-1993) fired a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. American-Jordanian guard Aisha Sheppard (175-1998, college: Virginia Tech) chipped in 21 points and 5 rebounds. Five Xiamen players scored in double figures. Xiamen's coach felt very confident using 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Nigerian-British center Temi Fagbenle (193-1992, college: USC) produced 19 points and American point guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (175-1996, college: Maryland) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Xiamen maintains fourth position with 2-2 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Fujian Nanan still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Shaanxi and Ganzhou. Xiamen will meet league's second-placed Hefei on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Fujian Z. will play again against Xiamen and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Xiamen: A.Sheppard 21+5reb+3ast, A.Pocek 18+14reb, P.Shiqing 14+4reb+5ast, L.Tingyi 13+6reb, X.Wanyu 13+4reb+2ast, L.Tong 5+3reb+2ast
Fujian Z.: T.Rumeng 19+3reb+2ast, X.Wang 13+4reb, X.Tingting 12+6reb+1ast, H.Dou 9+5reb+4ast, E.Blessing 7+10reb+1ast, C.Kerui 5+9reb+3ast

Wuhan - Jiangsu 58-92

There was a surprise result in Wuhan where seventh ranked Jiangsu (2-2) smashed higher ranked hengfan (3-1) 92-58 on Wednesday. Jiangsu dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to hengfan's 24. Jiangsu outrebounded Wuhan 38-27 including 27 on the defensive glass. Jiangsu looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. American center Jillian Alleyne (190-1994, college: Oregon) fired a double-double by scoring 13 points and 17 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) for the winners. Lirui Sun chipped in 20 points. Four Jiangsu players scored in double figures. American power forward Peyton Williams (193-1998, college: Kansas St.) produced 10 points and 6 rebounds and American-Jordanian guard Aisha Sheppard (175-1998, college: Virginia Tech) added 12 points respectively for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Jiangsu moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser hengfan dropped to the second position with one game lost. They share it with Henan and Hefei. Jiangsu will meet at home Xinjiang (#8) in the next round. Wuhan will play against Shandong (#5) in Penglai and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu: L.Sun 20+4reb+3ast, W.Mengjie 17+3reb+4ast, J.Alleyne 13+17reb+2ast, J.Jones 12+1ast, M.Zhang 7+3ast, X.Chenyan 7+4reb+1ast
Wuhan: H.Pan 12+4reb+1ast, W.Peyton 10+6reb+2ast, B.Tearra 10+6reb, Y.Ding 8+1ast, Z.Zhao 6+2reb+1ast, S.Shang 5+3reb+4ast

Guangdong - Shandong 79-70

Not a big story in a game in Dongguan where 4th ranked Sports Lottery (2-2) was defeated by top-ranked Vermilion Birds (4-0) 79-70 on Wednesday. Guangdong outrebounded Shandong 38-23 including a 14-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Guangdong looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Shuyu Yang fired 20 points and 5 assists for the winners. Wenxia Li chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds. American center Jillian Alleyne (190-1994, college: Oregon) produced 14 points and her fellow American import guard Maya Caldwell (180-1998, college: Georgia) added 15 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Sports Lottery's coach rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Vermilion Birds have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Liaoning and Sichuan. Loser Sports Lottery keeps the fourth place with two games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Guangdong will meet league's second-placed Sichuan in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Shandong will play against Wuhan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guangdong: S.Yang 20+4reb+5ast, M.Chen 15+5reb+2ast, W.Li 14+11reb+2ast, C.Yanyu 12+1reb+4ast, J.Zhong 7+3reb+2ast, A.Collier 6+13reb+5ast
Shandong: C.Maya 15+3reb+1ast, H.Yang 14+4reb+1ast, Y.Zhao 11+2reb, A.Lindsay 10+3reb+6ast, Z.Guangfeng 9+2reb, P.Cheyenne 9+3reb+1ast

Hebei - Xinjiang 64-90

Everything could happen in Hengshui at the game between two tied teams. Both tenth ranked Magic Deer and 9th ranked Power had identical 1-2 record. But Power was not able to use a home court advantage and was outscored by the opponent from Urumqi 90-64 on Wednesday night. Xinjiang had a 31-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Xinjiang especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 55.0 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American-Hungarian forward Beatrice Mompremier (193-1996, college: Miami, FL) fired a double-double by scoring 16 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Wu Tongtong chipped in 17 points and 9 assists. Five Magic Deer players scored in double figures. produced 15 points and 5 rebounds and Bingzhen Li added 11 points, 5 assists and 4 steals respectively for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Xinjiang (2-2) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Hebei lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with three games lost. They share it with Beijing and Zhejiang. Xinjiang will meet Jiangsu (#7) in the next round. Hebei will play against Shaanxi and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Xinjiang: W.Tongtong 17+2reb+9ast, Z.Qifang 17+2reb+5ast, B.Mompremier 16+11reb+4ast, J.Jackson 16+10reb+1ast, X.Wang 15+8reb+3ast, L.Yuqiong 4+1reb
Hebei: D.Kayla 15+5reb+2ast, S.Ning 13+6reb, L.Bingzhen 11+4reb+5ast, P.Xiaotong 9+4reb+4ast, D.Chelsea 4+1reb, Z.Rui 3+1reb

Beijing - Shanghai 83-84

Quite upsetting was Beijing's home defeat in a game versus Shanghai who edged hosts 84-83. Americans were the main players on the court. Forward Ruthy Hebard (192-1998, college: Oregon) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. point guard Chennedy Carter (175-1998, college: Texas A&M) chipped in 30 points and 5 assists. Four Swordfish players scored in double figures. Center Kai James (196-1995, college: FSU) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds and point guard Tiffany Mitchell (175-1994, college: S.Carolina) added 21 points and 11 rebounds (made all of her twelve free throws !!!) respectively for lost side. Shanghai (2-2) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Beijing Great Wall dropped to the ninth position with three games lost. They share it with Zhejiang and Hebei. Shanghai will meet Shanxi (#4) in the next round. Beijing will play against Zhejiang (#11) in Yiwu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shanghai: C.Carter 30+5ast, R.Hebard 17+16reb+2ast, Y.Liu 13+6reb, X.Wu 11+2reb+2ast, X.Nuo 7+2reb+1ast, Z.Zhiting 2+4reb
Beijing: M.Tiffany 21+11reb+3ast, J.Kai 20+13reb+2ast, M.Zheng 19+1reb+1ast, Y.Wang 8+1reb+1ast, Z.Pan 6+4reb+3ast, J.Yu 5+4reb+3ast

Shaanxi - Shanxi 75-91

There was no surprise in Weinan where bottom-ranked Red Wolves (0-4) were defeated by ninth ranked Flame (2-2) 91-75 on Thursday. Shanxi dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Red Wolves's 22. Shanxi looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American center Queen Egbo (193-2000, college: Baylor) fired 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. The other American import center Mercedes Russell (198-1995, college: Tennessee) chipped in 10 points and 9 rebounds. Four Flame players scored in double figures. Forward Ruthy Hebard (192-1998, college: Oregon) produced 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and American guard Sierra Calhoun (183-1996, college: Rutgers) added 7 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shanxi moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Red Wolves still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Fujian Z. and Ganzhou. Shanxi will meet at home Shanghai (#6) in the next round. Shaanxi will play against Hebei in Hengshui and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Shanxi: Q.Egbo 15+7reb+1ast, J.Huo 13+3reb+1ast, C.Yujie 11+2reb+5ast, M.Russell 10+9reb+3ast, R.Zhai 10+1reb, S.Kexin 7+4reb+4ast
Shaanxi: Z.Mengyun 15+9reb+4ast, J.Liu 14+1reb+1ast, W.Jiaxi 10+3reb+3ast, Y.Ma 9, F.Zhuoya 8+1reb+3ast, C.Sierra 7+7reb+5ast

Sichuan - Zhejiang 104-76

No shocking result in a game in Chengdu where top-ranked Yuanda (4-0) outleveled 10th ranked Golden Bulls (1-3) 104-76 on Thursday. Sichuan dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Golden Bulls's 32. Sichuan outrebounded Zhejiang 46-21 including a 21-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. Sichuan looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. American forward Natasha Howard (188-1991, college: FSU, agency: LBM Management) fired 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. American-Bulgarian center Khaalia Hillsman (196-1996, college: Texas A&M) chipped in 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Yuanda players scored in double figures. American center Queen Egbo (193-2000, college: Baylor) produced 16 points and 5 rebounds and the other her fellow American import import center Mercedes Russell (198-1995, college: Tennessee) added 12 points respectively for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Yuanda have a solid four-game winning streak. Sichuan keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Liaoning and Guangdong. Loser Golden Bulls dropped to the ninth place with three games lost. They share the position with Beijing and Hebei. Sichuan will meet at home league's leader Guangdong in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Zhejiang will play against Beijing (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sichuan: N.Howard 18+8reb+5ast, K.Hillsman 17+5reb+4ast, S.Gao 15+6reb+3ast, K.Ran 10+3reb+2ast, X.Tong 9+6reb+1ast, L.Xueyuan 8+4reb+1ast
Zhejiang: J.Yu 16+5reb+3ast, J.Chen 12+4reb+3ast, S.Xuran 10+2reb+2ast, K.Dong 9+1ast, D.Mengfan 8+3reb, H.Duoling 7+4reb+3ast

Liaoning - Ganzhou 117-91

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Liaoning Hengye as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Liaoning Hengye smashed bottom-ranked Ganzhou in Anshan 117-91. Liaoning dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Ganzhou's 36. Liaoning forced 19 Ganzhou turnovers and outrebounded them 46-20 including a 32-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Liaoning looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Myisha Hines-Allen (185-1996, college: Louisville) who helped to win the game recording a triple-double by scoring 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and Tea Cooper who added 26 points during the contest. Five Liaoning Hengye players scored in double figures. At the losing side responded with 21 points and 6 assists and Zhang Jingdan scored 13 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Liaoning Hengye have a solid four-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Guangdong and Sichuan. Ganzhou at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Fujian Z. and Shaanxi. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Liaoning: T.Cooper 26+2reb+2ast, M.Hines-Allen 19+15reb+12ast, Y.Ge 17+2reb+1ast, S.Wu 15+3reb, F.Jinqiu 12+6reb+1ast, H.Yiming 12+7reb+2ast
Ganzhou: K.Yang 21+4reb+6ast, J.Zhang 13+2reb+1ast, Y.Lu 11+2reb+2ast, Z.Wang 9+2reb+2ast, Y.Xu 9+1reb+1ast, H.Mengsi 9+3reb+2ast