News come slowly sometimes from the other side of the world.

For instance, the Lynx were touting Maya Moore's 53 points in Shanxi's 96-92 victory over Zhejiang on Tuesday in the first game of the Chinese Women's Basketball Association's best-of-five finals.

But there was an ugly side to the story, too.

Apparently, some of Zhejiang's fans were not too happy with their team's first home loss of the season. And they surrounded and started beating up two of the referees.

The CWBA issued an apology. A reporter wrote that more security was needed.

The second and third games of the series move to Shanxi.

Zhejiang star Liz Cambage had 38, but fouled out. Maybe the Zhejiang's so-called "fans" got upset at Cambage being out of the game.

The story is here

The Lynx held their annual season ticket holders party on Tuesday. A year ago at that event, Taj McWilliams-Franklin was there and announced she would be coming back for 2012. The date was Jan. 23.

This year none of the Lynx players were in attendance. Mama Taj is an assistant women's basketball coach with Rice. And Lynx officials said the team is preparing to go either way -- with or without Taj -- this season.

So no news yet from Taj, who is 42, and once again trying to decide whether she will retire or play another season.

Two other unsigned Lynx are guard Candice Wiggins and post Jessica Adair.

Word is Wiggins may be looking for more playing time someplace else; Adair, slowed by injuries most of last season, is expected back.

Friday is the first day WNBA teams can make offers to free agents and start signing them. And there are a lot of them out there.