In an exhilarating match held in Quanzhou, southeast China’s Fujian Province, the Liaoning Flying Leopards secured a commanding 116-100 victory over the Fujian Sturgeons on Thursday. This triumph marks their seventh win of the season, keeping them at the forefront of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) standings.
The game showcased outstanding performances from Liaoning’s key players, with six team members scoring in double digits. Wang Lanqin led the charge with a team-high 23 points, alongside six assists and two steals, demonstrating his pivotal role in the team’s offense. Teammates Fu Hao and Kyle Fogg also contributed over 20 points each, bolstering the team’s scoring efforts. Han Dejun dominated the paint, delivering an impressive double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds, shooting an efficient 7-for-8 from the field.
The first half was a tightly contested battle, with the Flying Leopards holding a slim two-point lead at 58-56. Both teams displayed robust defensive strategies, intensifying their efforts in the second quarter after a relatively open first quarter. Liaoning managed to outscore Fujian by just one point in each of the opening quarters, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the contest.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter. Four minutes into the period, the Fujian Sturgeons encountered a prolonged field goal drought, which the Flying Leopards capitalized on by initiating a decisive 17-0 run. Despite a timeout called by Fujian to regroup, Liaoning expanded their lead to 17 points, ending the quarter at 87-70.
Throughout the fourth quarter, Liaoning maintained a comfortable lead, thanks to the consistent scoring from Han, Fu, and Wang. Despite the efforts of Fujian’s Joseph Young, who attempted to rally his team with a series of isolation plays and achieved a game-high 24 points off the bench, the Flying Leopards’ diverse offensive threats proved overwhelming.
Li Yiyang was another standout for Fujian, recording a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists. However, the collective strength and strategic play of the Liaoning Flying Leopards ultimately secured their victory, reinforcing their position at the top of the league.
Reference(s):
Wang Lanqin leads Liaoning Flying Leopards over Fujian Sturgeons
cgtn.com
