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Players in action during a CBA game between Beijing Ducks and Shenzhen Aviators, Beijing, China, January 17, 2020.
A more balanced Beijing Ducks claimed a narrow 91-87 victory over Shenzhen Aviators in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on Friday.
With 8.2 seconds remaining, Shenzhen's Li Muhao scored a big three-pointer following up an inbound pass turnover to cut the deficit to 90-87, but could not save his team from losing its third game in a row.
Zhai Xiaochuan scored a team-high 23 points for Beijing, while Justin Hamilton and Jeremy Lin contributed a combined 38 points. Allerik Freeman made his league debut and posted 24 points for Shenzhen.
Both sides suffered in offensive play before the break, shooting only 37 percent in the first half, before Lin stood out with tough layups to speed up the pace while controlling the rhythm.
"We knew it would be a tough game. We played our defense and our players executed the game plan very well," Beijing coach Yannis Christopoulos said.
Dominique Jones of Jilin Northeast Tigers (C) defended by players of Xinjiang Flying Tigers in a CBA game, Changchun, Jilin Province, northeast China, January 17, 2020.
Also on Friday, Dominique Jones was in immense form, notching 41 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists to lead Jilin Northeast Tigers to overcome Xinjiang Flying Tigers 102-94.
As a top shooter who can average 37 points per game this season, Jones was on fire and racked up 37 points plus 10 rebounds in the first three periods, helping the host team prevail 85-68 into the last quarter.
Xinjiang center Jarnell Stokes prevented the game from turning into a rout, scoring 26 points and forcing Jones to shoot only 1 for 8 in the last period.
Wang Zhelin of Fujian Sturgeons in action during a CBA against Bayi Rockets, Jinjiang, Fujian Province, southeast China, January 17, 2020.
Wang Zhelin of Fujian Sturgeons scored a career-high 51 points to help his team beat the visiting Bayi Rockets 113-97.
The league's reigning MVP Wang made 18 shots out of 25 attempts and grabbed 13 rebounds, becoming the first domestic player to score over 50 points since February 2007.
"Wang deserves this achievement. I hope he can improve more and more," said Fujian head coach Aleksandar Kesar.
The visitors had a good start to lead the first quarter 27-24 before Wang hit all four baskets in the second quarter for Fujian to come back from behind 54-46.
The second half witnessed Wang's unstoppable dominance in the paint as Fujian gradually extended the advantage to 81-64 into the final quarter and sealed the victory.
In the other games on Friday, Guangzhou Loong Lions edged Qingdao Eagles 116-113, while Zhejiang Golden Bulls bulldozed Beijing Royal Fighters 126-97.
(With input from Xinhua News Agency)
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency
