WCBA Round 5 (Regular Season): Henan lose their first game against Hefei

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Henan Phoenix (3-1) in Jiyuan on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by second ranked Hefei (3-2) 91-74. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Henan Phoenix. Hefei forced 20 Henan turnovers. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 54.5 percentage. American guard Jaime Nared (188-1995, college: Tennessee) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) for the winners and chipped in 17 points. Nigerian-British center Temi Fagbenle (193-1992, college: USC) responded with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Despite that victory Hefei went down to third position due to points difference, which they share with 5 other teams. Henan at the other side keeps the second place with one game lost. Hefei is looking forward to face Xiamen (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Henan will play against the league's leader Liaoning and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very significant was Guangdong's (#1) 83-75 road victory against second-ranked Sichuan. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Yuanda. It was a key game for the top position in the league. nailed 23 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side and Wenxia Li accounted for 14 points and 15 rebounds. American guard Jaime Nared (188-1995, college: Tennessee) came up with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for Yuanda in the defeat. Yuanda's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Undefeated Guangdong (5-0) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with a perfect record of 5 victories in a row. Sichuan at the other side keeps the second position with one game lost. Guangdong will play against Wuhan (#6) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Sichuan will play against Beijing (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked hengfan (3-2) against fifth ranked Sports Lottery (3-2) on Saturday night. Visiting hengfan was defeated by Sports Lottery in Penglai 87-76. The best player for the winners was Yang Hengyu who scored 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Wang Jiaqi produced 20 points, 8 assists and 4 steals (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Shandong moved-up to third place, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated Wuhan. Shandong will meet Xinjiang (#7) in the next round. Wuhan will play against the league's leader Guangdong (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 5: Xiamen destroyed Fujian Z. on the opponent's court 102-67. Hebei unfortunately lost to Shaanxi in a home game 81-92. Xinjiang recorded a loss to Jiangsu on the road 79-85. Zhejiang was defeated by Beijing on its own court 55-70. Shanghai was beaten by Shanxi in Taiyuan 82-71. Hefei was destroyed by Xiamen at home 74-97.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 23 points and 18 rebounds by Ana Pocek of Xiamen.

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 74-91

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Henan Phoenix (3-1) in Jiyuan on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by second ranked Hefei (3-2) 91-74. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Henan Phoenix. Hefei forced 20 Henan turnovers. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 54.5 percentage. American guard Jaime Nared (188-1995, college: Tennessee) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) for the winners and Xiong Zhongyi chipped in 17 points. Nigerian-British center Temi Fagbenle (193-1992, college: USC) responded with 12 points and 6 rebounds and American point guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (175-1996, college: Maryland) scored 17 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Despite that victory Hefei went down to third position due to points difference, which they share with 5 other teams. Henan at the other side keeps the second place with one game lost. Hefei is looking forward to face Xiamen (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Henan will play against the league's leader Liaoning and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Henan: W.Shatori 17+3reb, F.Temi 12+6reb+3ast, W.Ha 10, Y.Zhou 8, S.MengXin 8+1reb+1ast, R.Huang 7+1reb+2ast
Hefei: J.Nared 28+14reb+4ast, X.Zhongyi 17+2reb+1ast, Z.Min 15+2reb+2ast, P.Kyei 8+4reb, Z.Wang 8+1reb+2ast, P.Xuemei 6

Fujian Z. - Xiamen 67-102

The game between closely ranked teams ended with bottom-ranked Fujian Nanan's (0-4) home loss to fourth ranked Xiamen (3-2) 67-102 on Friday. Xiamen dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Fujian Nanan's 32. Xiamen forced 25 Fujian Z. turnovers and outrebounded them 40-28 including 28 on the defensive glass. It was a great shooting night for Xiamen especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 53.3 percentage. The best player for the winners was American-Jordanian guard Aisha Sheppard (175-1998, college: Virginia Tech) who scored 41 points (!!!) and 4 assists. Montenegrin center Ana Pocek (190-1993) chipped in 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Xiamen's coach felt very confident using 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. produced 14 points and 7 rebounds and added 15 points and 4 assists respectively for the hosts. Five Fujian Z. players scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for Xiamen. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 5 other teams. Fujian Z. lost their fourth game in a row. They still close the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Ganzhou. Xiamen will meet Hefei (#4) on the road in the next round. Fujian Z. will play against Ganzhou and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Fujian Z.: T.Rumeng 15+1reb+4ast, X.Tingting 14+7reb, H.Dou 14+3reb+2ast, C.Kerui 11+7reb+2ast, X.Wang 11+8reb, X.Xiang 2+2reb
Xiamen: A.Sheppard 41+4ast, A.Pocek 19+5reb+4ast, S.Cheslek 15+9reb, X.Wanyu 8+5reb+3ast, P.Shiqing 4+1ast, L.Tingyi 4+3reb+1ast

Hebei - Shaanxi 81-92

There was a small surprise in Hengshui where twelfth ranked Red Wolves (1-4) defeated 10th ranked Power (1-4) 92-81 on Saturday. Shaanxi looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American power forward Sidney Cooks (193-1998, college: Seton Hall) who had a double-double by scoring 40 points (!!!) and 17 rebounds. Her fellow American import guard Sierra Calhoun (183-1996, college: Rutgers) chipped in 20 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. American-Jordanian guard Aisha Sheppard (175-1998, college: Virginia Tech) produced a double-double by scoring 28 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals and Montenegrin center Ana Pocek (190-1993) added 25 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Red Wolves left bottom position moving up to tenth place, which they share with Zhejiang and Hebei. It was Hebei's fourth loss in a row. Shaanxi will meet higher ranked Jiangsu (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hebei will play against Shanghai (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hebei: W.Wang 28+10reb+8ast, D.Kayla 25+8reb+1ast, P.Xiaotong 14+4reb+7ast, Y.LI 7+1reb, D.Chelsea 3+2reb, S.Ning 2+9reb+2ast
Shaanxi: S.Cooks 40+17reb+1ast, S.Calhoun 20+9reb+9ast, J.Wang 6+3reb+1ast, Z.Fang 5+1reb+3ast, J.Fu 5+3reb+3ast, M.Zhou 5+3reb+3ast

Shandong - Wuhan 87-76

Very important is a road loss of third ranked hengfan (3-2) against fifth ranked Sports Lottery (3-2) on Saturday night. Visiting hengfan was defeated by Sports Lottery in Penglai 87-76. Shandong outrebounded Wuhan 38-24 including a 31-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shandong shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 60.0 percentage. The best player for the winners was Yang Hengyu who scored 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). American forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (193-1992, college: MTSU) chipped in 20 points and 8 rebounds. American power forward Sidney Cooks (193-1998, college: Seton Hall) produced 20 points, 8 assists and 4 steals (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and her fellow the other American import import guard Sierra Calhoun (183-1996, college: Rutgers) added 17 points respectively for the guests. Four Wuhan players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Shandong moved-up to third place, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated Wuhan. Shandong will meet Xinjiang (#7) in the next round. Wuhan will play against the league's leader Guangdong (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Wuhan: J.Wang 20+1reb+8ast, Y.Ding 17+1ast, H.Peng 12+2reb+2ast, M.Guo 10+3reb, W.Peyton 7+7reb+1ast, H.Pan 6+1reb+2ast
Shandong: Y.Hengyu 24+5reb+4ast, C.Parker-Tyus 20+8reb+1ast, J.Cao 19+4reb+4ast, M.Caldwell 7+8reb+3ast, J.Zhou 7+2reb+1ast, Z.Yazhuo 6+4reb+1ast

Jiangsu - Xinjiang 85-79

Everything could happen in Nanjing at the game between two tied teams. Both seventh ranked Jiangsu and 8th ranked Magic Deer had identical 2-2 record. This time Jiangsu used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Urumqi 85-79 on Saturday night. Jiangsu made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Xinjiang turnovers. Jiangsu looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The best player for the winners was American swingman Jazmine Jones (183-1996, college: Louisville) who scored 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Xu Chenyan chipped in 19 points and 7 rebounds. American-Hungarian forward Beatrice Mompremier (193-1996, college: Miami, FL) produced 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and American forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (193-1992, college: MTSU) added 13 points and 10 assists respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Jiangsu (3-2) moved-up to third place, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Magic Deer dropped to the seventh position with three games lost. They share it with Beijing and Shanghai. Jiangsu will meet at home Shaanxi (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Xinjiang will play against Shandong (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Xinjiang: Q.Zhang 18+1reb+3ast, M.Beatrice 18+8reb+5ast, T.Wu 13+1reb+10ast, W.Xuemeng 11+8reb+1ast, Y.Wu 9, J.Jessica 6+3reb
Jiangsu: J.Jones 20+6reb+4ast, X.Chenyan 19+7reb+2ast, J.Alleyne 16+8reb+2ast, W.Mengjie 11+2reb+3ast, M.Zhang 8+2reb+4ast, L.Sun 5+1reb+3ast

Zhejiang - Beijing 55-70

Everything could happen in Yiwu at the game between two tied teams. Both ninth ranked Beijing Great Wall and 11th ranked Golden Bulls had identical 1-3 record. But Golden Bulls were not able to use a home court advantage and lost to the opponent from Beijing 70-55 on Sunday night. Beijing forced 19 Zhejiang turnovers. The best player for the winners was American point guard Tiffany Mitchell (175-1994, college: S.Carolina) who scored 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. Zheng Ming chipped in 12 points and 6 assists. American swingman Jazmine Jones (183-1996, college: Louisville) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and Yu Jiajin added 13 points respectively for the hosts. Beijing (2-3) moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Shanghai and Xinjiang. Zhejiang lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the tenth position with four games lost. They share it with Hebei and Shaanxi. Beijing will meet at home league's second-placed Sichuan in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Zhejiang will play against Shanxi (#5) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Zhejiang: A.Xu 22+10reb+4ast, J.Yu 13+4reb+3ast, K.Dong 11+1reb+4ast, Z.Qi 4+5reb+5ast, S.Fengyi 3+3reb+2ast, J.Chen 2+4reb+1ast
Beijing: T.Mitchell 22+7reb+4ast, P.Zhenqi 15+4reb, Z.Ming 12+3reb+6ast, W.Yiting 8+1reb+3ast, Y.Jiarui 5+3reb+2ast, L.Yifan 5+2reb

Sichuan - Guangdong 75-83

Very significant was Guangdong's (#1) 83-75 road victory against second-ranked Sichuan. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Yuanda. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Shuyu Yang nailed 23 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side and Wenxia Li accounted for 14 points and 15 rebounds. American guard Jaime Nared (188-1995, college: Tennessee) came up with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and American-Bulgarian center Khaalia Hillsman (196-1996, college: Texas A&M) added 14 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Yuanda in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Yuanda's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Guangdong (5-0) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with a perfect record of 5 victories in a row. Sichuan at the other side keeps the second position with one game lost. Guangdong will play against Wuhan (#6) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Sichuan will play against Beijing (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Sichuan: G.Song 15+5reb+5ast, H.Natasha 15+5reb, H.Khaalia 14+9reb+1ast, T.Yuanyuan 11+2reb+2ast, L.Shuangfei 7+5reb+5ast, T.Xiao 5+2reb+1ast
Guangdong: S.Yang 23+7reb+6ast, J.Zhong 18+4reb+2ast, W.Li 14+15reb+1ast, M.Chen 10+7reb+4ast, A.Collier 9+10reb+1ast, M.Zhang 6+2reb+2ast

Shanxi - Shanghai 82-71

Everything could happen in Taiyuan at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Flame and 6th ranked Swordfish had identical 2-2 record. This time Flame used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Shanghai 82-71 on Sunday night. The best player for the winners was American center Queen Egbo (193-2000, college: Baylor) who had a double-double by scoring 11 points and 16 rebounds. Her fellow American import forward Crystal Bradford (183-1993, college: CMU) chipped in 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Flame's coach used entire bench saving starting five for next games. American point guard Chennedy Carter (175-1998, college: Texas A&M) produced 20 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals and added 12 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for Flame. Shanxi (3-2) moved-up to third place, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Swordfish dropped to the seventh position with three games lost. They share it with Beijing and Xinjiang. Shanxi will meet Zhejiang (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Shanghai will play against Hebei and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shanghai: C.Chennedy 20+6reb+5ast, H.Ruthy 13+9reb+2ast, N.Xu 12+8reb+4ast, L.Yutong 10+5reb+2ast, J.Huang 7+4reb, Z.Zhang 5+2reb
Shanxi: C.Bradford 18+8reb+4ast, J.Huo 11+3reb+1ast, Q.Egbo 11+16reb+3ast, R.Zhai 10+3ast, Z.Yi 7+1reb+3ast, C.Yujie 7+1ast

Hefei - Xiamen 74-97

There was a small surprise when fourth ranked Xiamen (3-2) outleveled on the road second-ranked Hefei (3-2) 97-74 on Sunday. Xiamen dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Hefei's 38. Xiamen had a 28-15 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Montenegrin center Ana Pocek (190-1993) who had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 18 rebounds. Peng Shiqing chipped in 22 points and 7 assists. Four Xiamen players scored in double figures. American guard Jaime Nared (188-1995, college: Tennessee) produced 22 points and 5 rebounds and Canadian center Phillipina Kyei (203-2003, college: Oregon) added 18 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. 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 third consecutive win for Xiamen. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated Hefei. Xiamen will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hefei will play again against Xiamen and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hefei: N.Jaime 22+5reb+1ast, K.Phillipina 18+9reb, W.Ze 9+1reb+1ast, Y.Li 7+3reb+3ast, M.Zhang 6+2reb+1ast, J.Diamond 3+1reb
Xiamen: A.Pocek 23+18reb+2ast, P.Shiqing 22+4reb+7ast, L.Tingyi 22+2reb, A.Sheppard 14+4reb+3ast, X.Wanyu 7+2ast, S.Cheslek 4+5reb