In a thrilling matchup on Tuesday, Dongguan shocked reigning WCBA champions Sichuan with a 90-83 victory, putting them just one win away from the title! The game was a rollercoaster of emotion, with every play keeping fans on the edge of their seats. 🏀
Making their first finals appearance in six years, Dongguan showcased a superb team performance. Five players scored in double figures, with Yang Shuyu leading the charge at 23 points, while Yang Liwei and Aliyah Collier added 20 and 18 points respectively. This balanced attack proved crucial in outpacing a strong Sichuan side.
The game started with a nail-biting first quarter as Yang Liwei opened the scoring with a fast break layup. Sichuan quickly responded with consecutive paint points from Elizabeth Cambage and Jonquel Jones, helping both teams finish the period tied at 24-24. At halftime, the score remained level at 44-44, setting the stage for an intense second half.
In the final quarter, drama struck when Yang Liwei nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give Dongguan a slim one-point lead. Following a decisive layup midway through the fourth period, Dongguan expanded their lead by 11 points, eventually clinching the upset with a determined defensive effort.
Sichuan’s coach Milos Paden summed up the pressure his team faced: "We rushed, we panicked, and we worked for them." Despite Sichuan's standout performance from Jonquel Jones—who shot an impressive 13 of 17 from the field to score 31 points—the team could not muster the cohesion needed to overcome Dongguan's spirited play.
Dongguan’s coach-player Huang Sijing, who also contributed 10 points, expressed his pride in the team's performance: "I just told my players to enjoy this stage and show their best, and they did, which made me quite proud." His confidence reflects the vibrant energy and focused determination that carried Dongguan to this pivotal win.
With Game 3 scheduled for Thursday on Sichuan's home court, the series is heating up. Will Dongguan seal the title, or can Sichuan rally for a comeback? This WCBA showdown promises more heart-pounding action—stay tuned!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
