WCBA debutants Shanxi moved one step closer to a fairy ending to the season when they beat Zhejiang 96-92 on Tuesday in Game 1 of the Chinese women's basketball league finals.

Maya Moore, dubbed the "Invincible Queen", scored game-high 53 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and five assists. Yu Dong and Ma Xueya added 12 points and 11 points respectively.

Elizabeth Cambage had 38 points for Zhejiang ,and Bian Lan contributed a double-double of 18 points and 10 assists.

"Although we trailed for most time, we still had a tough play tonight. We had a poor start because some starters got into foul trouble and we didn't grasp the opportunity in the final minutes. However, I am confident that we can win the next two road games," said Zhejiang coach Zheng Wu.

Zhejiang began the game with a 3-pointer. Moore assisted Wu Jinzhu for the first field goal for Shanxi, and she made two 3-point shooting, forcing Zhejiang to make adjustments later.

Cambage, Zhejiang's center and top scorer, showed her strength in the paint field with several consecutive shots.

The second quarter was Moore's show time with her 3-pointers, jumpers and layups as Shanxi led by 15 points into halftime.

Zhejiang pulled within just one point into the final 12 minutes. After Bian Lan finished a 3-point shooting, Zhejiang took the lead for the first time. But Cambage was then fouled out, which affected Zhejiang's defense quality.

With 45 seconds remaining, Moore's two free throws put Shanxi 93-91 in front. Zhejiang had an opportunity to tie, but Bian Lan missed out on a free throw.

The second and third game of the best-of-five tie will take place on Jan. 31 and Feb. 2. Endi

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