WCBA Round 17 (Regular Season): Guangdong lose to Wuhan

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

Top ranked Vermilion Birds (14-3) recorded its third loss in Dongguan on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by eighth ranked hengfan (8-9) 77-68. Wuhan made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American power forward Peyton Williams (193-1998, college: Kansas St.) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds. Guard Ding Yike (172-2003) chipped in 21 points. American guard Aliyah Collier (183-1997, college: Clemson) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds for the hosts. Wuhan maintains eighth place with 8-9 record. Guangdong lost third consecutive game. Defending champion still keeps top position with three games lost. Wuhan are looking forward to face higher ranked Xinjiang (#7) in Urumqi in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Guangdong will play at home against Beijing (#10) and is hoping to win this game.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Anshan. Third ranked Henan Phoenix faced second-ranked Liaoning Hengye. Guests from Jiyuan (10-6) defeated host Liaoning Hengye (11-5) 85-79. Latvian center Anete Steinberga (191-1990, college: UTEP) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. Imani McGee-Stafford contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Henan Phoenix's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Center Fu Jinqiu (188-1996) answered with 21 points and 8 rebounds for Liaoning. Henan maintains third place with 10-6 record having five points less than leader Hefei. Liaoning at the other side keeps the second position with five games lost. Henan will play against Fujian Z. (#5) in Putian in the next round. Liaoning will play at home against the league's leader Hefei and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game was played in Penglai where Xinjiang (#7) won against host Shandong (#4) 86-73 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Sports Lottery. Wu Tongtong stepped up with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 assists for the winners. Sara Blicavs responded with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Sports Lottery's coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Xinjiang have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain seventh place with 9-8 record. Loser Sports Lottery keeps the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Jiangsu. Xinjiang will meet Wuhan (#8) on the road in the next round. Shandong will play against Shaanxi (#11) and hope to secure a win.

Other games of round 17 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Beijing was crushed by Sichuan in Chengdu 90-71. Shaanxi was smashed by Jiangsu at home 70-89. Shanghai won against Hebei on the opponent's court 89-84. Shanxi outscored Zhejiang in a home game 96-64. Ganzhou recorded a loss to Fujian Z. on the road 78-69.

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Sichuan - Beijing 90-71

There was no surprise in Chengdu where 10th ranked Beijing Great Wall (5-12) was crushed by third ranked Yuanda (12-4) 90-71 on Saturday. Sichuan dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Beijing Great Wall's 38 and made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Sichuan looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Beijing's players. American forward Natasha Howard (188-1991, college: FSU, agency: LBM Management) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!), 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and American-Bulgarian center Khaalia Hillsman (196-1996, college: Texas A&M) chipped in 20 points and 8 rebounds. Yuanda's coach Frederic Dusart used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American point guard Tiffany Mitchell (175-1994, college: S.Carolina) responded with 20 points and 6 rebounds and guard Zheng Ming (178-2001) scored 16 points and 5 assists. Yuanda have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Sichuan maintains third place with 12-4 record having just three points less than leader Hefei. Loser Beijing Great Wall dropped to the ninth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Hebei. Sichuan will meet league's second-placed Shanxi in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Beijing will play against the league's leader Guangdong (#1) in Dongguan and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Beijing: M.Tiffany 20+6reb+1ast, M.Zheng 16+3reb+5ast, W.Xiao 9+2reb+2ast, J.Kai 9+5reb+1ast, K.Alice 8+5reb, J.Niu 5+10reb
Sichuan: N.Howard 33+12reb+4ast, K.Hillsman 20+8reb+2ast, S.Wang 10+4reb+4ast, L.Yuan 9+7ast, S.Gao 7+3reb+1ast, S.Jia 5+2reb+3ast

Shaanxi - Jiangsu 70-89

No shocking result in a game in Weinan where fifth ranked Jiangsu (11-6) smashed 11th ranked Red Wolves (2-15) 89-70 on Saturday. Jiangsu dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Red Wolves's 28. Jiangsu outrebounded Shaanxi 42-26 including a 31-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Jiangsu looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American center Jillian Alleyne (190-1994, college: Oregon) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 blocks for the winners and center Xu Chenyan (200-1999) chipped in 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Jiangsu players scored in double figures. American point guard Dyaisha Fair (165-2001, college: Syracuse) responded with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import power forward Sidney Cooks (193-1998, college: Seton Hall) scored 11 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Jiangsu moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Shandong. Shaanxi lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 15 games lost. They share it with Zhejiang. Jiangsu will meet Shanghai (#6) on the road in the next round. Shaanxi will play against Shandong (#4) in Penglai and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shaanxi: F.Dyaisha 24+5reb+4ast, F.Zhuoya 11+3reb+1ast, C.Sidney 11+3reb+1ast, C.Sierra 8+1reb, J.Liu 5+2reb, A.Najing 5+1reb+5ast
Jiangsu: J.Alleyne 18+10reb+7ast, X.Chenyan 15+9reb+4ast, J.Jones 13+2reb+5ast, W.Mengjie 12+8reb+2ast, Z.Huang 12+2reb+2ast, H.Xinyan 11+4reb+1ast

Hebei - Shanghai 84-89

Rather expected game in Hengshui where 9th ranked Power (5-12) was defeated by sixth ranked Swordfish (9-7) 89-84 on Saturday. Shanghai made 25-of-30 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. American point guard Chennedy Carter (175-1998, college: Texas A&M) stepped up and scored 32 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) for the winners and her fellow American import forward Ruthy Hebard (192-1998, college: Oregon) chipped in 28 points and 18 rebounds. The former international forward Wang Wang (183-1992) responded with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds and Canadian guard Kayla Davis (170-1995, college: Towson) scored 19 points and 9 rebounds. Shanghai moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Xiamen. Loser Power keeps the ninth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Beijing. Shanghai will meet at home Jiangsu (#5) in the next round. Hebei will play against Zhejiang (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hebei: W.Wang 24+11reb+3ast, D.Kayla 19+9reb+3ast, W.Sydney 13+3reb+2ast, Z.Li 7+1ast, W.Ziyi 6+5reb+1ast, P.Emily 5+2reb
Shanghai: C.Carter 32+9reb+6ast, R.Hebard 28+18reb+1ast, H.Jing 11+7reb+2ast, X.Wu 8+1reb+1ast, X.Nuo 4+2reb+1ast, Z.Zhiting 4

Shanxi - Zhejiang 96-64

Very predictable result in Taiyuan where second ranked Flame (13-4) outscored 12th ranked Golden Bulls (2-15) 96-64 on Saturday. Shanxi dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Golden Bulls's 30. Shanxi outrebounded Zhejiang 43-26 including 29 on the defensive glass. Shanxi looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. American center Kalani Brown (201-1997, college: Baylor, agency: LBM Management) stepped up and scored 35 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds (on 13-of-16 shooting from the field) for the winners and Australian guard Marena Whittle (180-1994, college: NDSU, agency: LBM Management) chipped in 13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Guard Dong Keer (170-1999) responded with 21 points and 5 assists and center Yu Jiajin (188-2000) scored 17 points and 8 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. Flame have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Shanxi maintains second place with 13-4 record behind leader Hefei. Zhejiang lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh position with 15 games lost. They share it with Shaanxi. Shanxi will meet at home Sichuan (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Zhejiang will play against Hebei (#9) in Hengshui and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Zhejiang: K.Dong 21+2reb+5ast, J.Yu 17+8reb+1ast, S.Fengyi 9+3reb+2ast, J.Chen 9+3reb+1ast, Z.Qi 6+2reb+5ast, Z.Yuqian 2+1reb
Shanxi: K.Brown 35+9reb+3ast, Q.Egbo 16+6reb+2ast, M.Whittle 13+7reb+5ast, B.Liu 7+6reb+3ast, R.Zhai 7+7reb+2ast, Y.Lin 4+3reb+6ast

Fujian Z. - Ganzhou 78-69

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 6th ranked Ganzhou's (1-15) road loss to fifth ranked Fujian Nanan (3-13) 69-78 on Saturday. Fujian Z. outrebounded Ganzhou 48-25 including a 34-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Nigerian center Blessing Ejiofor (196-1998, college: WVU) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 18 rebounds for the winners and guard Rumeng Tan (171-2003) chipped in 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Fujian Nanan players scored in double figures. Zhang Jingdan (183-1959) responded with 21 points and guard Yang Kejing (175-1962) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 assists. Fujian Z. maintains fifth place with 3-13 record. Loser Ganzhou keeps the sixth position with 15 games lost. Fujian Z. will meet higher ranked Henan (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Ganzhou will play against Xiamen and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ganzhou: J.Zhang 21+3reb, F.Zhao 14+2reb+2ast, K.Yang 11+1reb+10ast, Y.Xu 8+4reb+1ast, H.Mengsi 7+5reb, J.Jiang 4+5reb
Fujian Z.: B.Ejiofor 22+18reb+2ast, R.Tan 21+6reb+6ast, L.Yufei 14+3reb+4ast, T.Xu 12+8reb, K.Chen 9+12reb+1ast, J.Zhao 0

Liaoning - Henan 79-85

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Anshan. Third ranked Henan Phoenix faced second-ranked Liaoning Hengye. Guests from Jiyuan (10-6) defeated host Liaoning Hengye (11-5) 85-79. Henan made 20-of-24 charity shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Liaoning turnovers. Henan Phoenix brought some defensive toughness making 9 blocks. Liaoning was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Latvian center Anete Steinberga (191-1990, college: UTEP) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. American center Imani McGee-Stafford (201-1994, college: Texas) contributed with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Henan Phoenix's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Center Fu Jinqiu (188-1996) answered with 21 points and 8 rebounds and American point guard Tea Cooper (173-1997, college: Baylor) added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Liaoning. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Henan maintains third place with 10-6 record having five points less than leader Hefei. Liaoning at the other side keeps the second position with five games lost. Henan will play against Fujian Z. (#5) in Putian in the next round. Liaoning will play at home against the league's leader Hefei and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Liaoning: J.Fu 21+8reb, C.Tea 16+6reb+5ast, H.Myisha 12+11reb+4ast, W.Zhang 11+4reb+3ast, C.Meng 8+6reb+5ast, Y.Li 8+2reb
Henan: A.Steinberga 20+14reb+2ast, S.Walker-Kimbrough 18+3reb+3ast, I.McGee-Stafford 15+8reb+3ast, Z.Yueming 13+4reb+2ast, D.Ruijie 8+4reb+3ast, M.Sun 5+7reb+2ast

Guangdong - Wuhan 68-77

Top ranked Vermilion Birds (14-3) recorded its third loss in Dongguan on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by eighth ranked hengfan (8-9) 77-68. Wuhan made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American power forward Peyton Williams (193-1998, college: Kansas St.) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds. Guard Ding Yike (172-2003) chipped in 21 points. Four hengfan players scored in double figures. American guard Aliyah Collier (183-1997, college: Clemson) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds and forward Wenxia Li (184-2004) added 20 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Wuhan maintains eighth place with 8-9 record. Guangdong lost third consecutive game. Defending champion still keeps top position with three games lost. Wuhan are looking forward to face higher ranked Xinjiang (#7) in Urumqi in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Guangdong will play at home against Beijing (#10) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Guangdong: L.Wenxia 20+8reb, C.Aliyah 19+13reb+1ast, Z.Jiali 9+3reb+2ast, Y.Chen 8+2reb, Z.Mingzhu 5+4reb+5ast, L.Bai 3+1reb
Wuhan: D.Yike 21+3reb+1ast, P.Williams 17+12reb+2ast, S.Shang 13+5reb+4ast, O.Nelson-Ododa 11+6reb+1ast, E.Kalu 9+1reb+1ast, P.Hong 4+4reb

Shandong - Xinjiang 73-86

An interesting game was played in Penglai where Xinjiang (#7) won against host Shandong (#4) 86-73 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Sports Lottery. Magic Deer made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Sports Lottery's players. The former international point guard Wu Tongtong (176-1994) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 assists for the winners and American-Hungarian forward Beatrice Mompremier (193-1996, college: Miami, FL) chipped in 17 points and 10 rebounds. Australian forward Sara Blicavs (188-1993) responded with 19 points and 9 rebounds and American forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (193-1992, college: MTSU) scored 14 points. Four Sports Lottery players scored in double figures. Sports Lottery's coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Xinjiang have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain seventh place with 9-8 record. Loser Sports Lottery keeps the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Jiangsu. Xinjiang will meet Wuhan (#8) on the road in the next round. Shandong will play against Shaanxi (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shandong: B.Sara 19+9reb+1ast, P.Cheyenne 14+4reb+2ast, C.Maya 11+6reb+2ast, Y.Zhao 10+3reb, H.Yang 8+3reb, C.Junwei 5+2reb+2ast
Xinjiang: W.Tongtong 22+4reb+11ast, B.Mompremier 17+10reb+1ast, J.Jackson 16+3reb+5ast, Z.Shuang 9+1reb+3ast, Z.Qifang 9+5reb+4ast, X.Wang 8+6reb+1ast