SYDNEY, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Yang Shuyu and Wang Siyu had an absorbing battle on Sunday in a clash of Chinese basketball stars as the Sydney Flames defeated the Southside Melbourne Flyers 86-69 in the WNBL.
The Flames (5-1) cemented their spot at the top of the ladder much to the delight of their fans at Afterpay Arena.
All eyes were on the Chinese players, with Yang (14 points, 3 assists) starting fast for the Flames while Wang finished with 7 points, 6 assists and 2 steals as the Flyers slumped to a 1-4 record.
Both players scored 11 points in the Flames' 77-73 season-opening victory over the Flyers last month.
The Flames bounced back from their first defeat of the season when they fell 93-85 to the Tasmania Jewels on October 31.
"It was really exciting basketball towards the end," said Flames player Jazmin Shelley, who top-scored with 22 points. "Our defense really picked up and we were able to move the ball a lot better in the second half."
Yang came out in attack mode after a couple of quiet games, tallying five quick points after nailing a three-pointer followed by a layup.
She kept the Flames afloat in the early exchanges after Wang's clever passing skills inspired the Flyers to a 16-9 lead.
Wang had three assists while also playing strong defense, picking up two steals in a determined two-way effort.
But the Flames clawed back and led 21-18 at the end of the first quarter after Yang capped her strong start with a slick assist to Maya Dodson.
Yang continued to be aggressive and started the second quarter with a drive to the basket, where she was fouled by Wang.
Wang tried to respond by driving to the paint only to be blocked by the towering Dodson.
She hit her first field goal with a tough shot from the left baseline, but the Flyers stared down the barrel trailing 50-31 at halftime.
Wang ignited a rally in the third quarter with an assist followed by a flashy reverse layup, a move she replicated in the last quarter.
But Yang nailed a couple of three-pointers late in the game to complete the Flames' win.
"Both of the Chinese players are fantastic players that are bringing a lot of their talents to our league, which is exciting for us, and they both played really well today," Flames coach Renae Garlepp told Xinhua.
"Rainy (Wang), obviously, she's a great creator. She had six assists, you can tell the difference. And how she comes off on balls and creates for other people had a massive impact on the game," she said. "And then I thought Yang did a really good job defensively today. I was really impressed with how she defended. Offensively, she made some big shots. I also think she made the right passes at the right times and we needed it. Sadly, she got in foul trouble, but outside of that I'm happy with her performance."
Sam Mackinnon, coach of the Flyers, said that Wang was still getting used to being an import and that opponents in WNBL would physically go after her. "So we've got to put her in actions where she is going offensively. But it's a great learning for Rainy now to come on and go."
He also said that a few miscues let Yang hit a few threes, but it's exciting to see a little matchup on each other.
The Flames next play the Bendigo Spirit on November 14, while the Flyers face the Jewels on Thursday. ■
