The Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank Women secured a hard-fought 79–72 victory over the Henan Jiyuan Women on July 22, 2026, in a compelling China Women's National Championship Basketball matchup. The contest, held at a neutral venue, saw Zhejiang overcome a spirited Henan side to claim a crucial seven-point win that bolsters their position in the league standings.

Match Overview

From the opening tip-off, both teams displayed high energy and disciplined defensive schemes. Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank Women established an early rhythm, using crisp ball movement to create open looks. Henan Jiyuan Women, however, responded with relentless driving attacks and second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass. The first half remained tightly contested, with Zhejiang carrying a narrow 38–35 lead into the break.

The third quarter proved decisive. Zhejiang’s guards stepped up their pressure, forcing several Henan turnovers that translated into fast-break points. A 10–2 run midway through the period stretched the lead to double digits. Henan refused to wilt, trimming the deficit to five points early in the fourth, but Zhejiang’s composure at the free-throw line down the stretch sealed the result.

Key Moments

• Second-quarter surge: After Henan tied the game at 28–28, Zhejiang responded with a 7–0 spurt, regaining control just before halftime.
• Third-quarter defensive stand: Zhejiang held Henan to just 14 points in the third period, disrupting their half-court sets with active hands and quick rotations.
• Clutch free throws: In the final two minutes, Zhejiang converted 6 of 8 free-throw attempts to keep Henan at arm’s length.

Standout Performers

For Zhejiang Chouzho Bank Women, the backcourt duo of guard Liu Wei and forward Zhang Lin delivered when it mattered most. Liu Wei orchestrated the offense with a game-high 22 points and 6 assists, while Zhang Lin contributed 18 points and pulled down 10 rebounds for a double-double. Henan Jiyuan Women relied heavily on center Wang Fang, who posted 20 points and 12 rebounds, but lacked consistent support from the perimeter shooters.

Tactical Analysis

Henan’s game plan centered on interior scoring through Wang Fang, and while she was effective, Zhejiang’s help defense limited her impact in the second half. Zhejiang, meanwhile, exploited mismatches on the wing, using pick-and-roll actions to create driving lanes. Their ability to space the floor and knock down mid-range jumpers forced Henan to stretch its defense, opening up offensive rebounds opportunities that Zhang Lin capitalized on.

Implications for the Season

The victory strengthens Zhejiang Chouzhou Bank Women’s bid for a top-four finish in the China Women’s National Championship. With a balanced roster and a distinct ability to win close games, they have positioned themselves as a dark horse contender. For Henan Jiyuan Women, the loss drops them into the middle of the pack, but their resilience in this contest suggests they will remain competitive as the regular season progresses. Both teams will look to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures.