Beijing’s Beikong Falcons secured a dramatic 129-127 overtime victory over Zhejiang in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on Thursday, with American guard Grant Riller delivering a career-high 46 points in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Riller’s early dominance anchored Beikong after a shaky start, as his 16-point first-quarter performance erased a six-point deficit. Teammates Zou Yuchen and Liao Sanning then helped ignite a 20-6 second-quarter surge, giving the Falcons a commanding 61-46 halftime lead.
Zhejiang mounted a defiant comeback in the third quarter, clawing back from a 20-point deficit with a 23-5 run that narrowed Beikong’s lead to 86-82. The fourth quarter saw both teams trade baskets before Zhejiang forced overtime at 111-111, capitalizing on relentless inside scoring.
Overtime became Riller’s stage: the guard drained back-to-back three-pointers and converted critical free throws, sealing a victory that showcased Beikong’s resilience. The win lifts Beikong in the CBA standings, underscoring the league’s reputation for fast-paced, high-stakes basketball.
