WCBA Finals: Shanxi Women’s Basketball Edges Sichuan in Game 2 to Force Decider

April 17, 2026 – In a tightly contested Game 2 of the 2025-2026 WCBA Finals, Shanxi Zhuyeqing Liquor Women’s Basketball hosted Sichuan Shudao Farmei Women’s Basketball at the Shanxi Sports Centre Gymnasium in Taiyuan, securing a 72-70 victory on Zhang Ru’s go-ahead basket in the final minute to even the best-of-five series at 1-1.

The win snapped a two-game losing streak for Shanxi in the Finals after a 95-61 road loss in Game 1 on April 14, where Sichuan established a then-WCBA Finals record 34-point margin of victory.

Shanxi began strongly, opening with a 10-0 run to take an early lead. Sichuan responded with balanced scoring, using inside-outside combinations to seize a 41-37 halftime advantage. The third quarter featured multiple lead changes, with Shanxi’s Lin Yuting sparking an 8-0 surge before Sichuan’s Gao Song hit a three-pointer to answer.

In the fourth quarter, Sichuan’s Wang Siyu missed two free throws with the game tied at 70-70. Shanxi immediately inbounded the ball to Zhang Ru, who drove baseline and scored a layup with approximately 10 seconds remaining to place Shanxi ahead 72-70. Sichuan’s final inbound attempt resulted in a turnover as time expired.

Statistically, Shanxi received double-digit scoring from three players: foreign import Shakira Austin led with 21 points and 13 rebounds, followed by Kalani Brown with 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Lin Yuting with 15 points. Zhang Ru contributed 2 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals. For Sichuan, Elizabeth Cambage recorded a double-double with 21 points and 16 rebounds, Li Yuan added 16 points, and Gao Song scored 11 points with 5 rebounds.

Shanxi finished the regular season with an 18-4 record, claiming first place in Group A and their third franchise regular season title. They also won the inaugural Chinese Basketball Association Women’s Club Cup by defeating Sichuan 95-74. In the playoffs, Shanxi successively eliminated Wuhan and Xinjiang to reach the Finals for the first time since the 2017-2018 season.

The decisive Game 3 is scheduled for April 20, 2026, in Chengdu, with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. Local time (11:30 UTC). The series will return to Taiyuan for Game 4 on April 22 if necessary, with a potential Game 5 back in Chengdu on April 25.

As the WCBA Finals resume, both teams will appear to adjust: Shanxi aims to maintain defensive intensity and improve free-throw shooting (they were 12-of-18 in Game 2), while Sichuan will seek to reduce turnovers and capitalize on second-chance opportunities after being out-rebounded 48-42 in Game 2.

Fans can follow live updates through the WCBA’s official website and broadcast partners. Share your thoughts on the series adjustment in the comments below.