Players of Inner Mongoloia celebrate after Game 2 of the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) league Finals between Sichuan and Inner Mongoloia in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)
BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Inner Mongolia upset defending champions Sichuan 96-85 at home on Saturday to tie the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) league Finals 1-1.
After a 23-point performance in Thursday's Game 1, Sichuan center Han Xu wasn't eager to attack the rim, nailing only two points through two attempts entering the fourth quarter. Facing a double-digit deficit, Sichuan coach Yang Yi dispatched an unusual lineup in the final period, with Han and Elizabeth Cambage on the court simultaneously.
The twin towers gave the visitors hope before Cambage was ejected for two unsportsmanlike fouls. Sichuan still had chances for a late comeback, but they failed to seize several opportunities off Inner Mongolia's turnovers.
Five Inner Mongolia players scored in double digits. Jonquel Jones led the way with 28 points and 10 rebounds, and Li Yuan added 13 points and eight assists.
For Sichuan, Cambage took a game-high 30 points, and guard Wang Siyu added 15. Li Meng only made four of her 13 attempts to score 13 points.
The two teams will fly to Sichuan for Game 3 on April 16 in the best-of-five series. ■
Elizabeth Cambage (R) of Sichuan is challenged by Pan Zhenqi of Inner Mongoloia during Game 2 of the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) league Finals in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)
Elizabeth Cambage (R) of Sichuan shoots the ball during Game 2 of the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) league Finals between Sichuan and Inner Mongoloia in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)
Li Yuan (L) of Inner Mongoloia helps Wang Siyu (C) of Sichuan up during Game 2 of the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) league Finals in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)
Zhang Ru of Inner Mongolia reacts after falling down during Game 2 of the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) league Finals between Sichuan and Inner Mongoloia in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)
Players of Inner Mongoloia celebrate after Game 2 of the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) league Finals between Sichuan and Inner Mongoloia in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)
