Sichuan crushes Xinjiang for 5th straight win in National Games women's basketball qualifiers

DANDONG, China, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Sichuan overwhelmed Xinjiang 110-50 for its fifth consecutive victory, while Shanxi edged Heilongjiang 85-81 to end its winless run in Group A of China's 15th National Games women's basketball qualifiers here on Friday.

Despite giving limited minutes of action to its regular starters Li Meng and Han Xu, Sichuan took control of the game from the get-go, going up 57-23 at the break on the way to a lop-sided win.

Five Sichuan players scored in double figures, led by Tang Ziting and Li Shuangfei's 20 points apiece. Han had 14 points in 10 minutes of playing time. Li Meng only played five minutes, while Liu Yutong was rested.

With both teams entering Friday's duel without a win, Shanxi and Heilongjiang went toe-to-toe until the final moments, with Shanxi escaping with a narrow win.

National team forward Zhai Ruoyun had 18 points in the first half, as Shanxi clawed back from an eight-point deficit to pull level at 42-42 by the interval.

Zhai received more offensive support after the break, with Zhang Han and Li Yangzhi making several baskets in the paint, allowing Shanxi to lead 67-60 entering the final frame.

Down by 12 points early in the fourth quarter, Heilongjiang pulled within 76-79 with two minutes remaining, but Shanxi steadied itself from there to clinch the win.

Zhai made all 17 free throws for 26 points to go along with 11 rebounds and nine assists. Zhang and Li had 19 and 16 points respectively.

Heilongjiang guard Tian Yangyang delivered a 41-point masterclass in a losing cause.

In the other game of the group, Jiangsu sailed past Shanghai 84-65.

"We need to learn from Shanghai for their resilience and fighting spirit. This is what we need as a young team," said Jiangsu forward Luo Xinyu, who pocketed a game-high 21 points.

"We made full preparations for this game, and we did well on rebounding and defense," she added.

In Group B, Henan thrashed Tianjin 89-59, Zhejiang edged Shandong 74-72, and Beijing cruised past Liaoning 84-61. ■