Han Xu refreshes personal best scoring in WNBA as Liberty beats Fever

WASHINGTON - Han Xu maintained her scoring touch and improved her record in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) to 16 points as the New York Liberty outplayed the Indiana Fever 97-83 on Friday.

Three days after setting a personal best of 15 points, the Chinese center had a highly efficient game, shooting 6 of 8 from the field, including 2 of 2 from three-point range, grabbing five rebounds and blocking two shots in her 15:31 of action.

"I didn't do well in rebounds in the first half. After stepping on the court again, I started from my defense and rebounds, and when I focused on that, my offense got rolling as well," Han told Xinhua in a phone interview.

Despite a five-point halftime deficit, the Liberty turned the game in their favor with a 34-20 third quarter and was not truly threatened from there.

Natasha Howard led the Liberty with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Sabrina Ionescu scored 13 points and dished out seven assists. Reserve guard Marine Johannes added 11 points and six assists in her first game this season.

"Marine showed her passing ability, and we had some good plays today," commented Han.

In her second season with the Liberty, Han has posted an average of 10.7 points and 5.0 rebounds in 10 appearances.

"I've been fitting in on the team better and better, and we have built more and more chemistry," explained Han.

On the Fever side, Kelsey Mitchell scored 23 points. NaLyssa Smith and Victoria Vivians had 15 and 11 respectively.

Also on Friday, Emma Meesseman scored 26 points as the Chicago Sky edged the Connecticut Sun 83-79. China's Li Yueru scored two points for the Sky in seven minutes and 19 seconds.

The first head-to-head between the two Chinese centers this season is scheduled on Sunday.