The Xinjiang Flying Tigers secured a nail-biting 114-111 victory against the Beikong Royal Fighters, marking their third consecutive win to kick off the new Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season.
Xinjiang dominated early, leading 38-19 in the first quarter thanks to standout performances by QJ Peterson, who drained crucial three-pointers. The Tigers extended their advantage to a 21-point lead by halftime, showcasing their offensive prowess.
However, the Royal Fighters mounted a fierce comeback with an 11-2 run, narrowing the gap significantly. Grant Riller's consecutive scores brought Beikong within striking distance, and Travis Trice's jumper reduced Xinjiang's lead to just four points in the fourth quarter.
The game remained intense until the final seconds. Xinjiang's Jin Xin pushed the lead to 100-92 with ten minutes remaining, but Liao Sanning's layup tied the game at 105. Beikong briefly took the lead with Liao's free throw, but Xinjiang regained control, leading 110-108. In the closing moments, Meng Zikai's missed three-pointer allowed Xinjiang to hold on for the win.
Elsewhere in the league, Beijing maintained an unbeaten streak with a 102-91 home victory over Sichuan, highlighted by veteran Fang Shuo's leadership in his 16th season. Sichuan's Edmund Sumner led his team with a game-high 31 points. Additionally, Nanjing triumphed over Ningbo, and Guangsha defeated Shandong, keeping the competition fierce as the season progresses.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
