Yang Shuyu (R) of Sydney Flames defends during the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) basketball match between Sydney Flames and UC Capitals in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)
SYDNEY, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese basketball star Yang Shuyu battled foul trouble while the Sydney Flames continued their unbeaten start to the WNBL season with an 82-70 victory over the UC Capitals on Friday.
Yang had launched her WNBL career in style with 31 points across her first two games.
But she had three fouls against the Capitals and finished scoreless in just under eight minutes of playing time. Isabelle Bourne scored a team-high 24 points as the Flames stretched their record to 3-0 much to the delight of the Quaycenter crowd.
After hitting four shots beyond the arc against the Adelaide Lightning, Yang fired from deep early but her first attempt cannoned off the front of the rim.
She soon hit the bench after her second personal foul as the Capitals powered to a 12-4 lead.
The substitutions made a difference with Alex Wilson, who over the years has enjoyed a rivalry with China in 3x3 basketball, helping the Flames turn the game and lead 23-19 at the first break.
Yang did not return to the court until midway through the second quarter, with Flames having built a double-digit lead. But she didn't stay in the game for long as Capitals mounted a comeback to reduce the margin to 44-36 at half-time.
Yang could not get going in the third quarter and was again benched after missing a mid-range jumper then a three-pointer from the top of the key.
She did not return until the dying stages, but Bourne stepped up to ensure the Flames remained unbeaten.
The Flames will hit the road to play the Townsville Fire on Sunday. ■
Yang Shuyu (2nd L) of Sydney Flames dribbles against Amy Atwell (2nd R) of UC Capitals during the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) basketball match between Sydney Flames and UC Capitals in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)
Yang Shuyu (R) of Sydney Flames shoots during the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) basketball match between Sydney Flames and UC Capitals in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)
Yang Shuyu (L) of Sydney Flames dribbles during the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) basketball match between Sydney Flames and UC Capitals in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)
Isabelle Morgan, Yang Shuyu and Peggy Schell of Sydney Flames react after the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) basketball match between Sydney Flames and UC Capitals in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)
Yang Shuyu (C) of Sydney Flames cheers for the team during the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) basketball match between Sydney Flames and UC Capitals in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)
Yang Shuyu (C) of Sydney Flames cheers for the team during the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) basketball match between Sydney Flames and UC Capitals in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)
Yang Shuyu (2nd R) of Sydney Flames cheers for the team during the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) basketball match between Sydney Flames and UC Capitals in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)
