Explodes for 15 points, 6 assists, and 4 threes! China women’s 29-year-old guard transforms into Gong Luming’s key weapon in the title chase

With 15 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and zero turnovers, shooting 4-of-9 from the field and 4-of-8 from three, Zhang Manman delivered a near-flawless performance.

In the WCBA quarterfinals (Game 2), Jiangsu defeated defending champions Guangdong 83–73, completing a 2–0 series upset and advancing to the semifinals as the biggest surprise of the round.

In the key backcourt matchup, Zhang clearly outperformed Guangdong’s guards. Yang Shuyu struggled with efficiency (4-of-15 shooting), while Yang Liwei contributed across the board but was hindered by turnovers. Zhang, by contrast, showcased superior control, efficiency, and decision-making.

Her rise has been building. During recent international qualifiers, Zhang established herself as a starting guard, highlighted by an impressive all-around showing against Brazil with zero turnovers and a +15 rating.

Coming into this series, Jiangsu was the 7th seed facing 2nd-seeded Guangdong. They had already stunned their opponents in Game 1 with a one-point win. While Guangdong cited national team commitments affecting team chemistry, Jiangsu faced similar circumstances.

In Game 2, Guangdong’s issues persisted. Their interior advantage failed to materialize, and perimeter stars struggled. Huang Sijing and the frontcourt couldn’t dominate inside, while Yang Shuyu and Collier lacked efficiency from the outside.

Jiangsu, meanwhile, relied on balanced scoring. Their three imports delivered consistently, while Zhang Manman and Xu Chenyan contributed strongly. Five players scored in double figures, highlighting the team’s depth.

Next, Jiangsu will face powerhouse Sichuan in the semifinals. Notably, Zhang previously played for Sichuan, adding an extra layer of narrative to the matchup.

Sichuan boasts a stacked roster featuring stars like Cambage, Natasha Howard, and Ogunbowale, alongside national team players such as Wang Siyu and Li Yuan.

For Zhang, the semifinal will be a true test. However, based on her current form, her growth and confidence are undeniable—further validating the trust placed in her by Gong Luming.