GUANGZHOU, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Guangdong smashed Bayi 89-63 in the first match of the best-of-five Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) league finals here on Wednesday.

Bayi's top scorer Li Meng struggled to get into the game in the first half, and Guangdong raced into a 52-27 lead.

Bayi strengthened their defense in the third quarter, but Guangdong managed to keep their advantage.

Although Guangdong's star player Nneka Ogwumike was unable to play in the final quarter owing to league regulations on the use of overseas players, Guangdong still maintained control of the game and sealed a convincing win.

Ogwumike and Li Yueru combined with 47 points and 21 rebounds for Guangdong, while Li Meng and Pan Zhenqi respectively contributed 17 and 12 points for Bayi.