In a tightly contested clash at the China Women's National Championship Basketball tournament, the Shanghai Baoshan Women secured a hard-fought 74-69 victory over the Dalian Women on July 21, 2026. The match, held at a neutral venue and tipped off at 19:30 local time, showcased a battle of contrasting styles – Dalian’s disciplined half-court offense against Shanghai’s high-pressure defense and transition game.

Match Overview

Shanghai Baoshan entered the game as the slightly favored side, boasting a deeper roster and a reputation for closing out tight games. Dalian, however, proved to be stubborn opponents, staying within striking distance for the entire 40 minutes. Despite Shanghai’s lead fluctuating between 5 and 10 points in the second half, Dalian refused to fade away, cutting the deficit to 2 points with under three minutes remaining. Ultimately, Shanghai’s composure at the free-throw line and a critical defensive stop in the final minute sealed the win.

Key Moments

• First Quarter – Shanghai sets the tone: Shanghai opened with an 8-0 run, forcing Dalian into early foul trouble. The visitors shot 45% from the field in the first period, building a 22-16 lead.
• Third Quarter – Dalian fights back: Trailing by 12 points midway through the third quarter, Dalian unleashed a 14-2 spurt, sparked by two three-pointers from their shooting guard. The quarter ended with Shanghai ahead 52-50.
• Final Minute – Composure wins the day: With Dalian within 70-69 and possession, a well-executed Shanghai trap forced a travel violation. Two made free throws by Shanghai’s point guard extended the lead to three, and a subsequent Dalian turnover ended any chance of a comeback.

Tactical Story

Dalian relied heavily on their interior offense, with their center posting a double-double (16 points, 12 rebounds). However, Shanghai’s defensive scheme – a mix of man-to-man and switching screens – limited Dalian’s assist numbers to just 10 for the game. Offensively, Shanghai exploited mismatches on the perimeter, using ball screens to create open mid-range looks. Their bench outscored Dalian’s reserves 28-12, proving decisive in a game where starters logged heavy minutes.

Standout Players

For Shanghai, guard Liu Yuting was the difference-maker, finishing with 22 points, 6 assists, and only 2 turnovers. Her ability to penetrate and draw fouls (8-of-9 from the free-throw line) kept Dalian’s defense honest. Forward Chen Jie added a gritty 14 points and 9 rebounds, often battling bigger opponents inside. On Dalian’s side, Zhang Wei poured in 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting, but her supporting cast struggled, with no other player reaching double figures until the final minutes.

Impact on the Standings

The victory improves Shanghai Baoshan’s record to 4-1 in the China Women's National Championship Basketball league, keeping them in the top three early in the season. For Dalian, the loss drops them to 2-3, though their competitive performance suggests they are capable of challenging higher-ranked teams as the tournament progresses. Next up, Shanghai faces a tough test against the defending champions, while Dalian will look to regroup against a mid-table opponent.