The CBA's reigning champions, Guangdong Southern Tigers, overcame a shaky start to the new season with a narrow 118-113 victory against the high-flying Qingdao Eagles on their home turf.
The game remained intensely competitive throughout, with both teams showcasing their strengths and maintaining a tight scoreline into the final quarter. The tension peaked when Guangdong's Wang Shaojie received his sixth foul, leading to his ejection, while coach Du Feng also faced a technical foul for his visible frustration.
With only a single-point difference remaining in the last three minutes, Guangdong began to gain a slight edge, ultimately securing a 5-point win over Qingdao. This loss for Qingdao halted their momentum, preventing them from achieving a third consecutive victory.
Qingdao's Quinndary Weatherspoon led his team with an impressive 30 points, supported by Yang Hansan's double-double of 26 points and 11 rebounds, and Myles Powell's 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 13 assists.
However, it was Guangdong's Hu Mingxuan who stole the spotlight, amassing a game-high 40 points and playing a pivotal role in breaking his team's losing streak.
With this result, only the Beijing Ducks, Xinjiang Flying Tigers, Zhejiang Lions, Shanxi Loongs, and Liaoning Flying Leopards remain undefeated after three games.
In other Friday matchups, the Jilin Northeast Tigers dominated the Fujian Sturgeons with a 124-109 win, the Shenzhen Leopards cruised past the Jiangsu Dragons 121-100, and the Shanghai Sharks narrowly lost to the Tianjin Pioneers 112-110.
Reference(s):
Hu shines with 40 points as Guangdong secure narrow win over Qingdao
cgtn.com
