WCBA Round 8 (Regular Season): Shandong edge Shanghai by three points

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The most exciting game of round 8 in the WCBA took place in Penglai. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked Swordfish (3-5) to fourth ranked Sports Lottery (5-3) 100-97 on Sunday evening. Shandong looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 15 passes made by Shanghai's players. The best player for the winners was American guard Maya Caldwell (180-1998, college: Georgia) who had a triple-double by scoring 28 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists. chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. American point guard Chennedy Carter (175-1998, college: Texas A&M) produced a double-double by scoring 43 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 6 assists for the guests. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Shandong maintains fourth position with 5-3 record, which they share with Sichuan and Wuhan. Shanghai at the other side dropped to the seventh place with five games lost. They share the position with Beijing and Xinjiang. Shandong is looking forward to face Zhejiang (#11) in Yiwu in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Shanghai will play at home against Wuhan (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Undefeated leader Vermilion Birds delivered the eighth consecutive victory. This time they beat 7th ranked Magic Deer (3-5) 86-82 in Dongguan. orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 9 rebounds. Shuyu Yang contributed with 18 points for the winners. American guard Maya Caldwell (180-1998, college: Georgia) replied with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals for Xinjiang. Undefeated Vermilion Birds (8-0) have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with a perfect record of 8 victories in a row. Xinjiang at the other side keeps the seventh place with five games lost. They share the position with Beijing and Shanghai. Guangdong will play against Shanxi (#3) in Taiyuan in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Xinjiang will play on the road against Shaanxi (#12) in Weinan and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Ganzhou (0-7) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 86-66 loss to fourth ranked Xiamen (4-3) in Xiamen on Sunday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Aisha Sheppard who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Xiamen's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Yang Kejing responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds. Xiamen moved-up to third place, which they share with Henan. Loser Ganzhou still closes the standings with seven games lost. Xiamen will again meet at home Ganzhou (#6) in the next round. Ganzhou will have a break next round.

Rest of the games of round 8 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Wuhan defeated Shaanxi in a road game 78-74. Fujian Z. was smashed by Henan at home 70-117. Beijing lost to Shanxi on the opponent's court 56-67. Sichuan managed to outperform Hebei in a home game 80-70. Jiangsu rolled over Zhejiang on the road 102-53.
The best stats of 8th round was 20 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals by Wu Tongtong of Xinjiang.

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.

Shandong - Shanghai 100-97

The most exciting game of round 8 in the WCBA took place in Penglai. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked Swordfish (3-5) to fourth ranked Sports Lottery (5-3) 100-97 on Sunday evening. Shandong looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 15 passes made by Shanghai's players. The best player for the winners was American guard Maya Caldwell (180-1998, college: Georgia) who had a triple-double by scoring 28 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists. Yang Hengyu chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. American point guard Chennedy Carter (175-1998, college: Texas A&M) produced a double-double by scoring 43 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 6 assists and center Yutong Liu (201-2001) added 13 points respectively for the guests. Five Shandong and four Shanghai players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Shandong maintains fourth position with 5-3 record, which they share with Sichuan and Wuhan. Shanghai at the other side dropped to the seventh place with five games lost. They share the position with Beijing and Xinjiang. Shandong is looking forward to face Zhejiang (#11) in Yiwu in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Shanghai will play at home against Wuhan (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shanghai: C.Chennedy 43+10reb+6ast, L.Yutong 13+4reb, W.Xianglin 11+3reb+2ast, H.Ruthy 10+6reb, W.Ying 7+2reb, L.Yanxi 3+2reb
Shandong: M.Caldwell 28+16reb+11ast, Z.Yazhuo 18+2reb+1ast, Y.Hengyu 15+3reb+4ast, J.Cao 15+5reb+1ast, L.Allen 10+4reb+5ast, C.Parker-Tyus 4+2reb+3ast

Shaanxi - Wuhan 74-78

There was no surprise in Weinan where 12th ranked Red Wolves (1-7) were defeated by sixth ranked hengfan (5-3) 78-74 on Sunday. Wuhan made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of Ding Yike who helped to win the game recording 23 points and American power forward Peyton Williams (193-1998, college: Kansas St.) who added 16 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four hengfan players scored in double figures. American power forward Sidney Cooks (193-1998, college: Seton Hall) responded with 28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and her fellow American import guard Sierra Calhoun (183-1996, college: Rutgers) scored 23 points and 8 rebounds. Wuhan moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Shandong and Sichuan. Shaanxi lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh position with seven games lost. They share it with Zhejiang. Wuhan will meet Shanghai (#8) on the road in the next round. Shaanxi will play against Xinjiang and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Shaanxi: C.Sidney 28+8reb+4ast, C.Sierra 23+8reb+3ast, A.Najing 11+3reb+1ast, S.Yingying 6+3reb+2ast, Z.Mengyun 3+1reb+3ast, F.Jing 3+3reb
Wuhan: D.Yike 23+1reb, P.Williams 16+7reb+1ast, P.Huaqian 13+6reb+4ast, T.Banks 10+4reb, E.Kalu 8+4reb+5ast, P.Hong 5+3reb+5ast

Xiamen - Ganzhou 86-66

Bottom-ranked Ganzhou (0-7) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 86-66 loss to fourth ranked Xiamen (4-3) in Xiamen on Sunday evening. They held Ganzhou to an opponent 24.4 percent shooting from the field compared to 43.7 percent accuracy of the winners. They outrebounded Ganzhou 59-43 including a 44-29 advantage in defensive rebounds. Xiamen looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Jordanian guard Aisha Sheppard (175-1998, college: Virginia Tech) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and Montenegrin center Ana Pocek (190-1993) who added 11 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. Xiamen's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds and American power forward Peyton Williams (193-1998, college: Kansas St.) scored 16 points. Xiamen moved-up to third place, which they share with Henan. Loser Ganzhou still closes the standings with seven games lost. Xiamen will again meet at home Ganzhou (#6) in the next round. Ganzhou will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Ganzhou: K.Yang 16+12reb+2ast, H.Mengsi 16+2reb+2ast, F.Zhao 10+5reb+3ast, G.Liangyu 8+11reb, Z.Wang 6+2reb+1ast, Y.Xu 5+3reb+2ast
Xiamen: A.Sheppard 17+10reb+5ast, L.Tingyi 17+7reb+1ast, A.Pocek 11+12reb+3ast, P.Shiqing 9+5reb+5ast, S.Cheslek 7+8reb+1ast, H.Yaling 7+6reb+4ast

Fujian Z. - Henan 70-117

No shocking result in a game in Putian where third ranked Henan Phoenix (4-3) smashed 5th ranked Fujian Nanan (2-5) 117-70 on Sunday. Henan dominated down low during the game scoring 76 of its points in the paint compared to Fujian Nanan's 34 and made 26-of-32 free shots (81.3 percent) during the game. Henan forced 22 Fujian Z. turnovers and outrebounded them 42-31 including a 37-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Henan looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Fujian Z.'s players. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (175-1996, college: Maryland) who helped to win the game recording 29 points, 6 assists and 8 steals (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) and the other American import center Imani McGee-Stafford (201-1994, college: Texas) who added 14 points and 14 rebounds during the contest. Five Henan Phoenix players scored in double figures. Henan Phoenix's coach felt very confident using entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Nigerian center Blessing Ejiofor (196-1998, college: WVU) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds and American guard Kamaria McDaniel (178-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: DITR) scored 16 points and 5 assists. Henan maintains third position with 4-3 record having just two points less than leader Guangdong, which they share with Xiamen. Loser Fujian Nanan keeps the fifth place with five games lost. Henan will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Fujian Z. will play against the league's leader Liaoning (#1) in Anshan and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Fujian Z.: E.Blessing 16+12reb, M.Kamaria 16+4reb+5ast, T.Rumeng 13+2reb, X.Tingting 9+4reb+1ast, C.Kerui 8+4reb+1ast, G.Adina 6+3reb+2ast
Henan: S.Walker-Kimbrough 29+2reb+6ast, M.Wen 15+3reb+3ast, T.Fagbenle 14+5reb+3ast, I.McGee-Stafford 14+14reb+1ast, W.Qiuyi 12+2reb+1ast, D.Ruijie 10+6reb+4ast

Shanxi - Beijing 67-56

Very expected game in Taiyuan where 8th ranked Beijing Great Wall (3-5) was defeated by third ranked Flame (6-2) 67-56 on Monday. Shanxi outrebounded Beijing 39-27 including 31 on the defensive glass. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of center Queen Egbo (193-2000, college: Baylor) who helped to win the game recording 10 points and 9 rebounds and center Mercedes Russell (198-1995, college: Tennessee) who added 8 points and 13 rebounds during the contest. Flame's coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. point guard Tiffany Mitchell (175-1994, college: S.Carolina) responded with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and center Kai James (196-1995, college: FSU) scored 12 points and 7 rebounds. Flame have an impressive six-game winning streak. Shanxi moved-up to second place, which they share with Jiangsu. Loser Beijing Great Wall dropped to the seventh position with five games lost. They share it with Shanghai and Xinjiang. Shanxi will meet league's leader Guangdong in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Beijing will play against Hebei (#10) in Hengshui and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Beijing: M.Zheng 17+1reb+2ast, J.Kai 12+7reb+1ast, M.Tiffany 12+8reb+7ast, Y.Wang 5, W.Xiao 4, J.Yu 4+5reb+2ast
Shanxi: C.Yujie 17+3reb, R.Zhai 13+2reb+4ast, Q.Egbo 10+9reb+3ast, M.Russell 8+13reb, M.Whittle 8+5reb+1ast, J.Huo 6+1reb+1ast

Sichuan - Hebei 80-70

Rather predictable result in Chengdu where sixth ranked Yuanda (5-3) beat 10th ranked Power (2-6) 80-70 on Monday. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Natasha Howard (188-1991, college: FSU, agency: LBM Management) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds and Yuanyuan Tian who added 17 points, 5 assists and 5 steals during the contest. Yuanda's coach Frederic Dusart used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Center Queen Egbo (193-2000, college: Baylor) responded with 24 points and center Mercedes Russell (198-1995, college: Tennessee) scored 20 points and 8 rebounds. Sichuan moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Shandong and Wuhan. Loser Power keeps the tenth position with six games lost. Sichuan will meet at home league's second-placed Jiangsu in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Hebei will play against Beijing (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hebei: P.Xiaotong 24+4reb+3ast, D.Kayla 20+8reb, X.Bai 11+2reb+2ast, P.Emily 7+4reb, S.Ning 6+5reb+4ast, Z.Rui 2+2reb
Sichuan: N.Howard 19+11reb+3ast, S.Gao 18+5reb, Y.Tian 17+3reb+5ast, K.Ran 8+2reb+1ast, K.Hillsman 7+3reb+3ast, Z.Cooke 5+2reb+2ast

Zhejiang - Jiangsu 53-102

Not a big story in a game in Yiwu where 11th ranked Golden Bulls (1-7) were outplayed by second ranked Jiangsu (6-2) 102-53 on Monday. Jiangsu forced 24 Zhejiang turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 18 passes made by Zhejiang's players. Worth to mention a great performance of Wu Mengjie who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 9 rebounds and Wang Xinyu who added 13 points during the contest. Five Jiangsu players scored in double figures. American forward Natasha Howard (188-1991, college: FSU, agency: LBM Management) responded with 19 points and Yu Jiajin scored 12 points and 6 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Jiangsu have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-2 record having just one point less than leader Guangdong, which they share with Shanxi. Zhejiang lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with seven games lost. They share the position with Shaanxi. Jiangsu will meet Sichuan (#5) in the next round. Zhejiang will play against Shandong (#4) in Penglai and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Zhejiang: S.Fengyi 19+3reb+1ast, J.Yu 12+6reb+2ast, K.Dong 6+2reb, Z.Qi 4+2reb+5ast, H.Duoling 4+2reb+4ast, Z.Yuqian 4+4reb+1ast
Jiangsu: H.Xinyan 14+2reb+2ast, W.Mengjie 14+9reb+3ast, W.Xinyu 13+3reb+3ast, L.Xinyu 13+5reb+1ast, Z.Huang 11+1reb+5ast, C.Jialing 10+2reb+3ast

Guangdong - Xinjiang 86-82

Undefeated leader Vermilion Birds delivered the eighth consecutive victory. This time they beat 7th ranked Magic Deer (3-5) 86-82 in Dongguan. Guangdong players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Wenxia Li orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 9 rebounds. Shuyu Yang contributed with 18 points for the winners. American guard Maya Caldwell (180-1998, college: Georgia) replied with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals and her fellow American import Jessica Jackson (193-1995, college: Arkansas) added 21 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Xinjiang. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Vermilion Birds (8-0) have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with a perfect record of 8 victories in a row. Xinjiang at the other side keeps the seventh place with five games lost. They share the position with Beijing and Shanghai. Guangdong will play against Shanxi (#3) in Taiyuan in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Xinjiang will play on the road against Shaanxi (#12) in Weinan and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Xinjiang: J.Jessica 21+9reb+1ast, T.Wu 20+5reb+10ast, M.Beatrice 15+4reb+2ast, W.Xuemeng 14+8reb+4ast, Q.Zhang 7+3reb+8ast, A.Jesula 5
Guangdong: W.Li 27+9reb+1ast, S.Yang 18+4reb+2ast, A.Collier 10+5reb+2ast, S.Huang 10+7reb+5ast, M.Chen 7+4reb+7ast, C.Yanyu 6+1reb+1ast