MELBOURNE, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese basketball talents Yang Shuyu and Chen Mingling made their debuts in Australia's second-tier National Basketball League 1 (NBL1) South league on Saturday.
The duo helped the Melbourne Tigers secure a thrilling 86-83 road victory over the Ringwood Hawks. The Tigers, playing away before their home game against the Kilsyth Cobras on Sunday, relied on the newcomers' strong performances in a tight contest.
Yang, 24, a bronze medalist for China in 3x3 basketball at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, scored 31 points and added two rebounds, two assists and three steals. She helped spark the Tigers' late surge with a strong all-around performance.
"Yang has put on a show today. She is outstanding," said an NBL commentator.
Chen, also 24, who represented China in 3x3 basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, scored 19 points and added three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.
The win gave the Tigers momentum after losing their opening games in the 2026 season. ■
