Liaoning Starts CBA Title Defense, Narrowly Beats Xinjiang in Overtime
The Liaoning Flying Leopards triumphed over the Xinjiang Flying Tigers 123-116 in overtime during Game 1 of their Chinese Basketball Association Playoffs quarterfinal series on Sunday at home in Shenyang, situated in northeast China's Liaoning...
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The Liaoning Flying Leopards triumphed over the Xinjiang Flying Tigers 123-116 in overtime during Game 1 of their Chinese Basketball Association Playoffs quarterfinal series on Sunday at home in Shenyang, situated in northeast China's Liaoning Province. This victory puts Liaoning ahead 1-0 in the best-of-five series.
Guard Zhao Jiwei led the charge for Liaoning, shooting 11-for-17 from the field, including eight three-pointers, to achieve a game-high 33 points. Dez Wells and Cameron Oliver provided strong support with 29 and 20 points, respectively; Wells hit a game-tying three-pointer that sent the game into overtime.
Although small forward Zhang Zhenlin only scored nine points, he made a crucial three-pointer during the extra session, securing the win for the three-time defending champions.
Xinjiang had four players score over 20 points, with Dedric Lawson registering a double-double of 32 points and 13 rebounds, both of which were team highs. Abdusalam Abdurexit and Elfuratt Mohetaner added 24 and 22 points, respectively, while Montrezl Harrell contributed 25 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in just 26 minutes before being ejected late in the third quarter.
The game began favorably for the visitors, who led 12-7 only five minutes into the first quarter, largely due to Lawson's effective play inside. However, they soon experienced a two-minute scoring drought, allowing the Flying Leopards to embark on an 11-2 run and close the quarter ahead 30-19.
In the second quarter, Harrell and Abdusalam ramped up their offensive drives, with Lawson continuing to trouble the defense from beyond the arc. The Flying Tigers narrowed the gap to two points at 47-45 but could not pull ahead. Oliver and Yan Shouqi responded with three-pointers to help maintain Liaoning's lead at 55-49 by halftime.
The Flying Leopards came out strong in the third quarter, launching a 10-3 run to extend their lead to double digits at 65-52. However, their shooting struggles allowed Xinjiang to claw back; they managed just three points over a stretch of five minutes. Harrell's ejection, following a second technical foul near the quarter's close, did not hinder the Flying Tigers, who rallied to take a 77-76 advantage into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Abdusalam and Elfuratt continued their aggressive attacks, keeping Xinjiang in front. However, Zhao and Wells were relentless from beyond the arc, ensuring Liaoning remained within striking distance. With under 10 seconds left, Xinjiang held a 109-106 lead, but Zhu Xuhang missed two critical free throws, giving Liaoning a glimmer of hope. Wells capitalized by sinking a corner three off an inbounds pass, tying the game at 111-111 and pushing it into overtime.
In the extra period, Xinjiang managed just two field goals, while the Flying Leopards received offensive contributions from four players. Zhao assisted Zhang for a pivotal three-pointer with 13 seconds remaining, effectively sealing the victory for the defending champions, who commenced their postseason journey with this thrilling win.
Game 2 is set for Tuesday in Shenyang.
In another matchup that evening, regular-season leaders the Guangsha Lions bested the Qingdao Eagles 110-93 in Game 1 of their series, taking place in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. Barry Brown led all scorers with 31 points as Guangsha established a commanding 57-38 lead in the first half, making the outcome increasingly inevitable in the final two quarters.
Point guard Sun Minghui returned from a heel injury for Guangsha, playing 13 minutes and adding four points and three assists to the team’s efforts.
Game 2 will also occur in Hangzhou on Tuesday.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
Guard Zhao Jiwei led the charge for Liaoning, shooting 11-for-17 from the field, including eight three-pointers, to achieve a game-high 33 points. Dez Wells and Cameron Oliver provided strong support with 29 and 20 points, respectively; Wells hit a game-tying three-pointer that sent the game into overtime.
Although small forward Zhang Zhenlin only scored nine points, he made a crucial three-pointer during the extra session, securing the win for the three-time defending champions.
Xinjiang had four players score over 20 points, with Dedric Lawson registering a double-double of 32 points and 13 rebounds, both of which were team highs. Abdusalam Abdurexit and Elfuratt Mohetaner added 24 and 22 points, respectively, while Montrezl Harrell contributed 25 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in just 26 minutes before being ejected late in the third quarter.
The game began favorably for the visitors, who led 12-7 only five minutes into the first quarter, largely due to Lawson's effective play inside. However, they soon experienced a two-minute scoring drought, allowing the Flying Leopards to embark on an 11-2 run and close the quarter ahead 30-19.
In the second quarter, Harrell and Abdusalam ramped up their offensive drives, with Lawson continuing to trouble the defense from beyond the arc. The Flying Tigers narrowed the gap to two points at 47-45 but could not pull ahead. Oliver and Yan Shouqi responded with three-pointers to help maintain Liaoning's lead at 55-49 by halftime.
The Flying Leopards came out strong in the third quarter, launching a 10-3 run to extend their lead to double digits at 65-52. However, their shooting struggles allowed Xinjiang to claw back; they managed just three points over a stretch of five minutes. Harrell's ejection, following a second technical foul near the quarter's close, did not hinder the Flying Tigers, who rallied to take a 77-76 advantage into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Abdusalam and Elfuratt continued their aggressive attacks, keeping Xinjiang in front. However, Zhao and Wells were relentless from beyond the arc, ensuring Liaoning remained within striking distance. With under 10 seconds left, Xinjiang held a 109-106 lead, but Zhu Xuhang missed two critical free throws, giving Liaoning a glimmer of hope. Wells capitalized by sinking a corner three off an inbounds pass, tying the game at 111-111 and pushing it into overtime.
In the extra period, Xinjiang managed just two field goals, while the Flying Leopards received offensive contributions from four players. Zhao assisted Zhang for a pivotal three-pointer with 13 seconds remaining, effectively sealing the victory for the defending champions, who commenced their postseason journey with this thrilling win.
Game 2 is set for Tuesday in Shenyang.
In another matchup that evening, regular-season leaders the Guangsha Lions bested the Qingdao Eagles 110-93 in Game 1 of their series, taking place in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. Barry Brown led all scorers with 31 points as Guangsha established a commanding 57-38 lead in the first half, making the outcome increasingly inevitable in the final two quarters.
Point guard Sun Minghui returned from a heel injury for Guangsha, playing 13 minutes and adding four points and three assists to the team’s efforts.
Game 2 will also occur in Hangzhou on Tuesday.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
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