Wang Junjie scored 15 points with a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc! However, he had zero points and two turnovers in the second half: benched with 8 minutes 36 seconds remaining.

On January 19th Beijing time, the NCAA games continued with the University of San Francisco narrowly defeating Washington State University 85-80. Chinese player Wang Junjie started and played 21 minutes, scoring 15 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, and 1 turnover, all his points coming in the first half. He was outstanding in the first half, shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range and 3-for-3 from the free throw line. In the second half, he didn’t attempt any shots, scored no points, committed two unforced turnovers, and was benched by the coach with 8 minutes 36 seconds left in the game.

Just 15 seconds into the game, Wang Junjie made a steal. Less than a minute later, he caught a pass outside the three-point line and scored. The University of San Francisco quickly took control, and after about five minutes, Wang Junjie got another chance from outside and scored again with a three-pointer.

With roughly 9 minutes left before halftime, Wang Junjie returned to the court and quickly scored once more from beyond the arc. At 4 minutes 53 seconds remaining in the first half, it was Wang Junjie again hitting another three-pointer! He was 4-for-4 on three-pointers in the first half, clearly making the opponents wary of his outside shooting. Half a minute later, Wang Junjie attempted another shot from outside, drew a foul, and made all three free throws. His first-half performance was flawless, shooting 4-for-4 on three-pointers and 3-for-3 from the line, totaling 15 points. The University of San Francisco led Washington State 48-44 at halftime.

In the second half, Wang Junjie made a turnover, leading to an opponent’s steal and dunk. Less than three minutes into the half, he was substituted out. With over 13 minutes remaining, Wang returned to the court, grabbed a defensive rebound quickly, but then lost the ball to an opponent who completed a dunk. Wang was subbed out again and had very limited opportunities in the second half. Reporter Kassel noted that Wang shot 4-for-4 from three in the first half but made two rather foolish turnovers in the second half. These mistakes led the coach to bench him for the final 8 minutes and 36 seconds.

This was Wang Junjie’s second highest scoring game this season. Previously, on January 11th, he scored 27 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, shooting 10-for-14 overall and 7-for-9 from three-point range. That game marked career highs for both his points and three-pointers made.