The 19th round of the A group regular season of the 2024-2025 WCBA league has seen 4 games played and 2 yet to be contested. Shanxi defeated Inner Mongolia, while Dongguan lost away to Beijing. Fujian pulled off a surprise victory against Zhejiang Chouzhou, securing their first win of the season. The latest standings in the WCBA see Sichuan as clear favorites for the championship, with predictions for the runner-up being this team!
Shanxi Zhuye Qing Jiu faced off against Inner Mongolia Nongxin in a strong matchup. At the end of the first quarter, Shanxi trailed by 6 points at 19-25. However, in the second quarter, Shanxi turned the tables with a score of 28-12, setting the stage for victory. Ultimately, Shanxi triumphed over Inner Mongolia with a final score of 92-84. Shanxi's double foreign aid performed exceptionally well, with Kelsey scoring 32 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal, and Olivier contributing 23 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. LKX added 12 points, 2 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals. On Inner Mongolia's side, Karani had 23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal, Li Yuan scored 13 points, 1 rebound, and 8 assists, Sun Mengran contributed 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists, Zhang Ru had 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, and Natisha chipped in with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Fujian Jinjiang Zhongteng achieved a surprising 100-96 victory over the formidable Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank, securing their first win of the season. For Fujian, foreign aid Tera shone with an outstanding performance, making 18 out of 24 shots for a total of 39 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. TRM scored 19 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists, and 3 steals, CSQ added 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, and SKR contributed 13 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Zhejiang's PM scored 28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6 steals, YJ scored 15 points and 2 assists, EK scored 21 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, and SWL contributed 9 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals.
Beijing Shougang Park won against Dongguan Xintongsheng with a score of 105-96. Beijing sealed the deal in the third quarter with a score of 33-15. Beijing's ZM scored 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals, AM scored 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, XYP added 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, KL scored 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists, and TY contributed 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Dongguan's YSY scored 22 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists, AL scored 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist, LYW added 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 9 assists, HSJ contributed 20 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 6 steals, and CM, DLN, and CLY each scored 6 points.
Shanghai Pudong Development Bank easily defeated Shijiazhuang Yingli with a score of 94-80. Shanghai finished the game strongly in the last quarter with a score of 28-12. Shanghai's Camila exploded with 37 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals, ARL scored 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, WY added 12 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, and 2 steals, and XN contributed 12 points and 1 rebound. Shijiazhuang's HYM scored 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, CNT added 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists, DST contributed 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist, PSQ scored 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, and SMX added 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.
Currently, in the latest rankings of Group A in the WCBA, Sichuan women's basketball team is at the top with an 18-game winning streak. With the support of three national players - Li Meng, Wang Suyu, and Han Xu - they have maintained a perfect record playing with an all-Chinese lineup, leaving little doubt about their chances of defending their title this season. The only suspense now is who will secure the runner-up position. Jiangsu Nangang has lost Zhang Manman and Jin Weinuo, and with only a single foreign aid, they lack the strength to compete for the runner-up spot. Beijing and Shandong are not as strong either. Zhejiang's loss to Fujian shows their inconsistency. Teams with the potential to compete for the runner-up are likely to be Shanxi, Dongguan, Shanghai, and Inner Mongolia. Analyzing the teams' performances, the author believes that Shanxi has the strongest "runner-up potential," although Dongguan and Inner Mongolia should not be underestimated. Who do you think will claim the runner-up spot in the WCBA this season?