WCBA Round 18 (Regular Season): Shanxi defeat Sichuan in the game between Top 4 teams

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.

An interesting game for Flame (14-4) which hosted in Taiyuan one of their biggest challengers Yuanda (12-5). Second ranked Flame managed to get a 9-point victory 91-82. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Yuanda. Shanxi forced 22 Sichuan turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. It was a good game for American center Queen Egbo (193-2000, college: Baylor) who led her team to a victory with 29 points. Australian guard Marena Whittle (180-1994, college: NDSU, agency: LBM Management) contributed with 21 points and 7 assists for the winners. Australian center Elizabeth Cambage (205-1991) replied with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists for Sichuan. Yuanda's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Flame have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Shanxi maintains second position with 14-4 record behind leader Hefei. Sichuan at the other side keeps the third place with five games lost. Shanxi are looking forward to face Beijing (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sichuan will play against Hebei (#9) in Hengshui and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
An interesting game for Hefei (15-2) which played road game in Anshan against second-best Liaoning Hengye (11-6). First ranked Hefei had an easy win 123-80. American players dominated the game. Guard Jaime Nared (188-1995, college: Tennessee) scored 22 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Diamond Johnson chipped in 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals during the contest. The best for the losing side was point guard Tea Cooper (173-1997, college: Baylor) with 26 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. Hefei have an impressive 12-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 15-2 record. Liaoning lost third consecutive game. They keep the second place with six games lost. They share the position with Henan. Hefei will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Liaoning will play again at home against the league's leader Hefei and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
WCBA top team - Vermilion Birds (15-3) added another victory to their record on Tuesday. This time they beat tenth ranked Beijing Great Wall (5-13) in Dongguan 78-70. Aliyah Collier notched a double-double by scoring 17 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) to lead the effort. Vermilion Birds' coach Zheng Wei used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 20 points by Tiffany Mitchell did not help to save the game for Beijing. Defending champion maintains first position with 15-3 record. Loser Beijing Great Wall keeps the tenth place with 13 games lost. Guangdong will meet Xinjiang (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Beijing will play against the league's second-placed Shanxi and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 18: Jiangsu was smashed by Shanghai on the road 94-67. Hebei destroyed Zhejiang on its own court 88-69. Xiamen outscored Ganzhou in a road game 93-74. Henan rolled over Fujian Z. at home 96-63. Shaanxi was crushed by Shandong on the opponent's court 103-77. Wuhan was beaten by Xinjiang in a home game 76-93.
The most impressive performance of 18th round was 29 points by Jessica Jackson 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.

Shanghai - Jiangsu 94-67

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when sixth ranked Swordfish (10-7) crushed 5th ranked Jiangsu (11-7) in Shanghai 94-67 on Monday. Shanghai made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. They also forced 23 Jiangsu turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Shanghai made 7 blocks. American point guard Chennedy Carter (175-1998, college: Texas A&M) notched 36 points (!!!), 9 assists and 7 steals to lead the effort and the other American import forward Ruthy Hebard (192-1998, college: Oregon) supported her with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 15 points and 8 rebounds by American center Jillian Alleyne (190-1994, college: Oregon) did not help to save the game for Jiangsu. Center Xu Chenyan (200-1999) added 12 points and 6 rebounds. 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. Shanghai moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Xiamen. Loser Jiangsu keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Shanghai will meet at home Shandong (#4) in the next round. Jiangsu will play against Zhejiang and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu: A.Jillian 15+8reb+2ast, X.Hong 12+2reb+2ast, C.Xu 12+6reb+2ast, J.Jazmine 8+4reb+4ast, M.Wu 8+3reb, X.Wang 7+1reb+1ast
Shanghai: C.Carter 36+4reb+9ast, R.Hebard 18+12reb+4ast, X.Nuo 10+1ast, X.Wu 8+3ast, Z.Xu 8+11reb, H.Jing 7+2reb+1ast

Hebei - Zhejiang 88-69

Rather expected game when 12th ranked Golden Bulls (2-16) were smashed by ninth ranked Power (6-12) in Hengshui 88-69 on Monday. Hebei forced 24 Zhejiang turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The former international forward Wang Wang (183-1992) notched 25 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and Taiwanese guard Xiaotong Peng (168-1998) supported her with 8 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Power players scored in double figures. Even 22 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals by guard Dong Keer (170-1999) did not help to save the game for Zhejiang. Fengyi Sun (184-2004) added 16 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Hebei maintains ninth position with 6-12 record. Zhejiang lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh place with 16 games lost. They share the position with Shaanxi. Hebei will meet at home higher ranked Sichuan (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Zhejiang will play against Jiangsu (#5) in Nanjing and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Zhejiang: K.Dong 22+5reb+8ast, S.Fengyi 16+11reb+6ast, A.Xu 14+3reb+3ast, Z.Qi 7+8reb+3ast, D.Mengfan 4+2reb, J.Chen 2+2reb
Hebei: W.Wang 25+7reb+6ast, N.Song 17+4reb, E.Potter 11+7reb+2ast, S.Wallace 11+2reb+3ast, K.Davis 10+7reb+3ast, X.Peng 8+9reb+5ast

Ganzhou - Xiamen 74-93

Rather predictable result when fourth ranked Xiamen (10-7) rolled over on the road 6th ranked Ganzhou (1-16) 93-74 on Monday. Xiamen dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Ganzhou's 22. They outrebounded Ganzhou 52-34 including a 37-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Xiamen looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American center Shelby Cheslek (196-1992, college: Gonzaga, agency: LBM Management) notched a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and Taiwanese Peng Shiqing (174-1991) supported her with 6 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists. Even 18 points by guard Xu Yanxue (171-1994) did not help to save the game for Ganzhou. Zhang Jingdan (183-1959) added 18 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Xiamen maintains fourth position with 10-7 record, which they share with Shanghai. Loser Ganzhou keeps the sixth place with 16 games lost. Xiamen will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ganzhou will play again against Xiamen (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ganzhou: J.Zhang 18+2reb+1ast, Y.Xu 18+2reb+3ast, J.Cai 11+5reb+1ast, H.Mengsi 9+4reb+5ast, J.Jiang 7+8reb, F.Zhao 5+8reb+3ast
Xiamen: S.Cheslek 20+12reb+3ast, L.Tingyi 17+5reb, A.Sheppard 14+4reb+3ast, L.Yiping 9+3reb, L.Tong 8+2reb+1ast, P.Shiqing 6+8reb+11ast

Guangdong - Beijing 78-70

WCBA top team - Vermilion Birds (15-3) added another victory to their record on Tuesday. This time they beat tenth ranked Beijing Great Wall (5-13) in Dongguan 78-70. Guangdong made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Guangdong outrebounded Beijing 42-23 including a 27-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guangdong looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American guard Aliyah Collier (183-1997, college: Clemson) notched a double-double by scoring 17 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) to lead the effort and forward Wenxia Li (184-2004) supported her with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Vermilion Birds' coach Zheng Wei used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 20 points by American point guard Tiffany Mitchell (175-1994, college: S.Carolina) did not help to save the game for Beijing. Irish-Australian swingman Alice Kunek (185-1991) added 13 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Defending champion maintains first position with 15-3 record. Loser Beijing Great Wall keeps the tenth place with 13 games lost. Guangdong will meet Xinjiang (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Beijing will play against the league's second-placed Shanxi and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Beijing: M.Tiffany 20+2reb+2ast, K.Alice 13+3reb+3ast, W.Xiao 11+2reb+3ast, L.Jiaqi 10+4reb, M.Zheng 8+3reb+3ast, J.Kai 4+4reb+1ast
Guangdong: A.Collier 17+14reb+4ast, W.Li 17+12reb+4ast, L.Yang 13+3reb+3ast, C.Yanyu 10+2reb+3ast, J.Zhong 9+4ast, B.Like 4+1reb+1ast

Shanxi - Sichuan 91-82

An interesting game for Flame (14-4) which hosted in Taiyuan one of their biggest challengers Yuanda (12-5). Second ranked Flame managed to get a 9-point victory 91-82. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Yuanda. Shanxi forced 22 Sichuan turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. It was a good game for American center Queen Egbo (193-2000, college: Baylor) who led her team to a victory with 29 points. Australian guard Marena Whittle (180-1994, college: NDSU, agency: LBM Management) contributed with 21 points and 7 assists for the winners. Australian center Elizabeth Cambage (205-1991) replied with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists and the former international guard Siyu Wang (175-1995) added 12 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists in the effort for Sichuan. Five Sichuan players scored in double figures. Yuanda's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Flame have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Shanxi maintains second position with 14-4 record behind leader Hefei. Sichuan at the other side keeps the third place with five games lost. Shanxi are looking forward to face Beijing (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sichuan will play against Hebei (#9) in Hengshui and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Sichuan: C.Elizabeth 18+9reb+8ast, H.Natasha 14+7reb, Y.Li 13+4reb+1ast, W.Siyu 12+6reb+10ast, H.Khaalia 11+5reb+1ast, G.Song 6+4reb+1ast
Shanxi: Q.Egbo 29+3reb+1ast, M.Whittle 21+4reb+7ast, R.Zhai 16+5reb+3ast, K.Brown 8+6reb+1ast, S.Kexin 5+2reb+2ast, S.Liu 4+2reb+3ast

Henan - Fujian Z. 96-63

Not a big story in a game when 5th ranked Fujian Nanan (3-14) was outscored by third ranked Henan Phoenix (11-6) in Jiyuan 96-63 on Tuesday. Henan forced 25 Fujian Z. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American point guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (175-1996, college: Maryland) notched 20 points, 6 assists and 4 steals to lead the effort and guard Ma Wen (178-1999) supported her with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Four Henan Phoenix players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds by Nigerian center Blessing Ejiofor (196-1998, college: WVU) did not help to save the game for Fujian Z.. Guard Rumeng Tan (171-2003) added 12 points. 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. Henan Phoenix have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Liaoning. Loser Fujian Nanan keeps the fifth position with 14 games lost. Henan will meet at home Fujian Z. (#5) in the next round. Fujian Z. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Fujian Z.: E.Blessing 19+14reb+2ast, T.Rumeng 12+2reb, C.Sun 8+2reb, X.Tingting 7+5reb, X.Wang 6+3reb, X.Lin 3+2reb+2ast
Henan: M.Wen 20+5reb+2ast, S.Walker-Kimbrough 20+4reb+6ast, A.Steinberga 14+4reb+1ast, I.McGee-Stafford 12+9reb+1ast, M.Sun 7+2reb+2ast, W.Liu 5+1reb+1ast

Liaoning - Hefei 80-123

An interesting game for Hefei (15-2) which played road game in Anshan against second-best Liaoning Hengye (11-6). First ranked Hefei had an easy win 123-80. Hefei dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Liaoning Hengye's 42. Hefei forced 23 Liaoning turnovers and outrebounded them 42-25 including a 31-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Hefei shot the lights out from three nailing 13 long-distance shots on high 59.1 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 34 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Liaoning's players. American players dominated the game. Guard Jaime Nared (188-1995, college: Tennessee) scored 22 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the charge for the winners and point guard Diamond Johnson (165-1983, college: Norfolk St., agency: LBM Management) chipped in 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals during the contest. Four Hefei players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was point guard Tea Cooper (173-1997, college: Baylor) with 26 points and 6 rebounds and forward Myisha Hines-Allen (185-1996, college: Louisville) scored 8 points, 9 rebounds and 5 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. Hefei have an impressive 12-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 15-2 record. Liaoning lost third consecutive game. They keep the second place with six games lost. They share the position with Henan. Hefei will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Liaoning will play again at home against the league's leader Hefei and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Liaoning: C.Tea 26+6reb+3ast, W.Zhang 11+1reb, J.Fu 11+4reb+1ast, H.Myisha 8+9reb+5ast, W.Shuang 8, Z.Meiqi 6+3reb
Hefei: D.Johnson 23+5reb+4ast, J.Nared 22+9reb+9ast, Z.Wang 15+1reb+2ast, X.Zhongyi 13+2reb+1ast, P.Xuemei 10+3reb, Y.Li 9+1reb+5ast

Shandong - Shaanxi 103-77

Everything went according to plan when fourth ranked Sports Lottery (12-6) outplayed 11th ranked Red Wolves (2-16) in Penglai 103-77 on Wednesday. Shandong dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Red Wolves's 28 and made 21-of-24 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game. Shandong outrebounded Shaanxi 45-30 including a 31-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. American guard Maya Caldwell (180-1998, college: Georgia) notched a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds to lead the effort and the former international center Ziyu Zhang (223-2007) supported her with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Even 29 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists by American power forward Sidney Cooks (193-1998, college: Seton Hall) did not help to save the game for Shaanxi. Her fellow American import point guard Dyaisha Fair (165-2001, college: Syracuse) added 12 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Five Shandong and four Shaanxi players scored in double figures. 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. Shandong maintains fourth position with 12-6 record. Shaanxi lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 16 games lost. They share the position with Zhejiang. Shandong will meet Shanghai (#6) on the road in the next round. Shaanxi will play against Wuhan (#8) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shaanxi: C.Sidney 29+9reb+5ast, F.Dyaisha 12+6reb+8ast, F.Jing 10+2reb+2ast, Z.Mengyun 10+9reb+2ast, A.Najing 7+2reb+2ast, Y.Min 4+1reb
Shandong: Z.Zhang 19+10reb, M.Caldwell 18+14reb+3ast, S.Blicavs 15+6reb+2ast, C.Parker-Tyus 15+3reb+1ast, Y.Hengyu 15+1reb, Z.Yazhuo 14+6reb+3ast

Wuhan - Xinjiang 76-93

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 8th ranked hengfan's (8-10) home loss to seventh ranked Magic Deer (10-8) in Wuhan 76-93 on Wednesday. Xinjiang made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. Xinjiang outrebounded Wuhan 32-20 including 21 on the defensive glass. Xinjiang shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 52.0 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Wuhan's players. American Jessica Jackson (193-1995, college: Arkansas) notched 29 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and the former international point guard Wu Tongtong (176-1994) supported her with 22 points and 11 assists. Even 17 points and 5 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) by forward Shang Shang (176-2002) did not help to save the game for Wuhan. American power forward Peyton Williams (193-1998, college: Kansas St.) added 15 points and 6 rebounds. Four Wuhan players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Magic Deer have a solid four-game winning streak. Xinjiang maintains seventh position with 10-8 record. Loser hengfan keeps the eighth place with ten games lost. Xinjiang will meet at home league's leader Guangdong in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Wuhan will play against Shaanxi (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Wuhan: S.Shang 17+2reb+5ast, N.Olivia 16+4reb, W.Peyton 15+6reb+3ast, Y.Ding 10+2reb+1ast, K.Ezinne 6, L.Yihua 5+2ast
Xinjiang: J.Jackson 29+4reb+3ast, W.Tongtong 22+3reb+11ast, B.Mompremier 18+10reb+4ast, Z.Qifang 8+4reb+2ast, Z.Shuang 6+2reb, C.Xiaoyu 4+2reb+4ast