In Shenyang, the Liaoning Flying Leopards defeated the Shanghai Sharks 117-114 on Tuesday, ending the Sharks’ 16-game winning streak in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
The home team started strong, with Kyle Fogg and Li Xiaoxu combining for three three-pointers, propelling Liaoning to an early 11-0 run and a 17-5 lead just five minutes into the first quarter. Despite efforts from Wang Zhelin and Eric Bledsoe to close the gap for Shanghai, turnovers plagued the visitors, and they trailed 35-25 at the end of the first period.
In the second quarter, Liaoning center Han Dejun made a significant impact on offense, drawing fouls in the paint and helping extend the hosts’ lead to 15 points. Shanghai’s Li Tianrong and Liu Cheng hit key shots from beyond the arc to keep the Sharks within reach. Just before halftime, Bledsoe stole the ball from Zhao Jiwei and made a buzzer-beating layup, reducing the deficit to seven points at 60-53.
Shanghai began to rally in the third quarter, with improved three-point shooting and better spacing allowing Bledsoe to penetrate the defense more effectively. After Bledsoe assisted D.J. Wilson for a three-pointer, the Sharks took the lead at 89-88. However, Fogg responded with a jumper to put Liaoning back ahead 90-89 as they entered the final quarter.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, Bledsoe continued to lead Shanghai’s offense, but turnovers once again hampered their progress. Liaoning capitalized on these mistakes, increasing their lead to 101-96. Midway through the period, Bledsoe was ejected after receiving a technical foul for flopping. Despite this setback, Shanghai stayed competitive thanks to Li Hongquan’s sharpshooting. A three-point play by Wang put Shanghai ahead 114-112 with less than two minutes remaining.
In the clutch moments, Fogg delivered for Liaoning, hitting back-to-back jumpers to regain the lead at 116-114. Shanghai called a timeout to strategize, but Li Xiaoxu blocked Li Tianrong’s layup on the ensuing possession. Forced to foul, Shanghai sent Han Dejun to the free-throw line, where he made one of two shots. In the final seconds, Li Hongquan’s attempt at a game-tying three-pointer missed the mark, sealing the victory for Liaoning and snapping Shanghai’s impressive winning streak.
In another game that night, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers defeated the Jiangsu Dragons 92-82 on the road. Xinjiang guard Zhao Rui returned from suspension to contribute 20 points, four rebounds, and four assists, helping his team avoid a third consecutive loss.
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Li Xiaoxu's block helps Liaoning end Shanghai's 16-game winning streak
cgtn.com
