The Shanxi Loongs triumphed over the Beijing Ducks with a thrilling 106-101 victory in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, on Monday, snapping the Ducks’ six-game winning streak in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
The game started with Shanxi launching a 7-0 run, but Beijing quickly countered with an 11-0 surge of their own. The Loongs faced challenges when their starters rested, allowing Beijing’s Richard Solomon and Zhang Cairen to capitalize from beyond the arc, leading to a 28-21 advantage for the Ducks after the first quarter.
Brandon Goodwin and Ibrahima Faye ignited Shanxi’s offense in the second quarter, aggressively attacking the paint and tying the game at 33 just three minutes in. Beijing relied on the size and athleticism of Solomon and Zhou Qi to regain a slim lead, finishing the half ahead 57-56.
The intensity escalated in the third quarter with frequent trips to the free-throw line for both teams. Beijing executed an 11-0 run with five minutes remaining, but Hamidou Diallo kept Shanxi close by drawing fouls and sinking four free throws, ending the quarter at 85-82 in favor of Beijing.
In the final quarter, Diallo and Liu Chuanxing challenged Beijing’s defense, with Liu’s jumper breaking a scoring drought and putting Shanxi ahead 89-87. The teams battled neck and neck until Zhou Qi’s hook shot tied the game at 97 with under two minutes left.
Stepping up in the clutch, Zhang Ning hit six consecutive free throws for Shanxi. Missed three-pointers by Beijing’s Zeng Fanbo and Eugene German sealed the Ducks’ fate, as the Loongs celebrated a hard-fought victory on their home court.
Reference(s):
Zhang Ning's key free throws end Beijing's winning streak for Shanxi
cgtn.com
