Jiangsu Nangang Women hold off Henan Jiyuan to claim gritty 78–72 victory in Chinese Women's National Championship

In a tightly contested clash at the China Women's National Championship Basketball on July 21, 2026, the Jiangsu Nangang Women edged past the Henan Jiyuan Women with a 78–72 road win. The match, played at a neutral venue due to league scheduling, showcased the defensive grit and offensive composure of both sides, but it was Jiangsu's ability to execute in the final quarter that proved decisive.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams displayed a high level of intensity typical of the top tier of Chinese women's basketball. Jiangsu Nangang came out firing, establishing an early lead behind sharp perimeter shooting and aggressive drives to the basket. However, Henan Jiyuan responded with disciplined team defense and timely three-pointers, keeping the score within striking distance throughout the first half. By the break, Jiangsu held a narrow 39–35 advantage.

Key Moments in the Second Half

• Third-quarter surge by Henan: The home side came out of the locker room with renewed energy, using a 10–2 run to take their first lead of the game midway through the third quarter. Henan’s forwards dominated the paint, grabbing offensive rebounds and converting second‑chance points.
• Jiangsu’s response: Jiangsu Nangang’s backcourt duo steadied the ship with a pair of clutch three-pointers, restoring a slim 58–56 lead heading into the final period.
• Clutch free‑throw shooting: In the fourth quarter, the game became a foul‑fest as both teams tightened their defense. Jiangsu’s guards showed ice‑cold composure at the line, converting 10 of 12 free throws in the last five minutes to seal the win.

Tactical Story

Jiangsu Nangang’s game plan centered on ball movement and spacing, which created open looks from beyond the arc. They finished the game with nine made three‑pointers, compared to Henan’s five, a differential that proved critical. Defensively, Jiangsu employed a switching scheme that limited Henan’s pick‑and‑roll effectiveness, forcing them into contested mid‑range jumpers.

Henan Jiyuan, meanwhile, relied on their physical interior presence. They outrebounded Jiangsu 42–36 and scored 34 points in the paint, but they struggled to convert from deep and turned the ball over 14 times – six more than Jiangsu – which gave the visitors extra possessions in crucial moments.

Standout Players

• Jiangsu Nangang: Their point guard delivered a well‑rounded performance with 18 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals, orchestrating the offense while pestering Henan’s ball‑handlers. The starting center added a double‑double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the interior on both ends.
• Henan Jiyuan: The team’s leading scorer finished with 22 points, mostly on drives and post‑ups, but lacked consistent support from the perimeter. Their power forward grabbed 10 rebounds but was limited to 8 points due to foul trouble.

Impact on the Standings

The victory moves Jiangsu Nangang further up the ladder in the China Women's National Championship Basketball standings, strengthening their bid for a top‑four finish and a playoff berth. For Henan Jiyuan, the narrow loss is a setback, but their competitive showing signals they remain a dangerous opponent for any contender as the season heads into its decisive phase.

With the regular season approaching its climax, both teams will look to build on the lessons from this hard‑fought encounter when they return to the court next week.