In a thrilling showdown in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), the Shanxi Loongs edged past the defending champions Liaoning Flying Leopards with a nail-biting 95-94 victory at home. This win marks their fifth consecutive triumph, propelling them to second place in the league standings.
The game was intense from the start. Liaoning’s Zhang Zhenlin connected with Dezmine Wells, who nailed a three-pointer, putting the Flying Leopards ahead by two in the first quarter. Shanxi’s Zhang Ning fired back, scoring a team-high 22 points, including a stunning fadeaway jumper while being fouled by Wells.
Ibrahima Fall Faye’s attempt at a layup was dramatically denied by Liaoning’s Han Dejun. Shortly after, Zhang Zhenlin’s powerful two-handed dunk gave Liaoning a 48-46 lead. Despite Zhang’s efforts, Liaoning found themselves trailing 87-79 as they headed into the fourth quarter.
Dezmine Wells was unstoppable, slicing through weak defenses and going coast to coast to amass an impressive game-high 40 points. However, Shanxi’s Brandon Goodwin stepped up in the clutch, assisting Liu Chuanxing to put the Loongs ahead 95-92 with just 46 seconds remaining.
In a nail-biting finale, Liaoning was only one point behind with three seconds left. But Goodwin’s crucial steal sealed the victory for Shanxi, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Elsewhere in the CBA, the Beijing Ducks eased past the Tianjin Pioneers, the Shanghai Sharks overpowered the Guangzhou Loong Lions, the Qingdao Eagles crushed the Nanjing Monkey Kings 118-88, and the Guangdong Southern Tigers defeated the Jiangsu Dragons.
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Shanxi beat defending champions Liaoning and climb to second place
cgtn.com
