The Chinese Basketball Association saw thrilling action on Tuesday as the Liaoning Flying Leopards and the Beijing Ducks both secured their fifth consecutive victories, maintaining perfect records in the new season.
At home, the three-time defending champions Liaoning Flying Leopards dominated the Qingdao Eagles with a commanding 106-83 win. The game kicked off with Qingdao’s new guard Quinndary Weatherspoon putting the Eagles ahead 22-14. However, Liaoning’s Kyle Fogg responded with a crucial three-pointer, closing the gap to 26-22 by the end of the first quarter.
Fogg, a former NBA guard, showcased an outstanding performance, scoring a game-high 30 points. In the second quarter, Zhao Jiwei delivered a perfect lob to South Sudanese center Lual Acuil for a spectacular alley-oop, igniting a 10-0 run for Liaoning in just three minutes. Fogg’s effortless lay-up later extended their lead to 63-48 in the third quarter.
The Flying Leopards maintained their double-digit advantage throughout the game. A three-pointer from Zhao Jiwei sealed their emphatic victory, affirming Liaoning’s dominance in the league.
Meanwhile, the Beijing Ducks hosted the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in a fiercely contested match. Despite an early lead by Xinjiang, thanks to Qi Lin’s lay-up putting them ahead 20-17, Beijing fought back. Qi Lin’s three-pointer kept Xinjiang within reach, narrowing the deficit to six points.
Zeng Fanbo’s coast-to-coast drive and score, despite being fouled, briefly gave Xinjiang a one-point lead. The game saw intense moments as Li Yanzhe connected with Qi Lin for a dunk, tying the score at 37. An injury scare for Li Yanzhe occurred when he was hurt grabbing a rebound, but he returned to the court after receiving medical attention.
Qi Lin’s corner three-pointer had Xinjiang leading 77-69, but the Ducks mounted a strong comeback. A crucial turnover allowed Chen Yingjun to score a lay-up, pushing Beijing ahead 81-77. In the final moments, Eugene German skillfully split the defense and assisted Lei Meng, who scored while drawing a foul. The Beijing Ducks emerged victorious with a 98-89 win, marking their fifth straight victory.
In other matches, the Shandong Heroes upset the Zhejiang Lions on their home court with a 108-102 win. The Shanghai Sharks eased past the Jiangsu Dragons 100-92. The Jilin Northeast Tigers triumphed over the Shanxi Loongs 130-119, and the Shenzhen Aviators defeated the Tianjin Pioneers 114-103.
Reference(s):
CBA: Liaoning beat Qingdao, Beijing edge Xinjiang to stay unbeaten
cgtn.com
