The Shanxi Loongs pulled off a remarkable comeback on Sunday, defeating the Xinjiang Flying Tigers 115-110 at home in Taiyuan, north China’s Shanxi Province. Overcoming a staggering 25-point deficit in the fourth quarter, the Loongs stunned their opponents and thrilled the home crowd.
Despite playing on the road, Xinjiang dominated early, racing to a 41-26 lead in the first quarter. Elfuratt Mohetaner was hot from beyond the arc, sinking three three-pointers, while Xirzat Samat added two more. By halftime, the Flying Tigers extended their advantage to 73-54, thanks to contributions from multiple players.
Shanxi struggled with their shooting throughout the first three quarters, especially from long range, missing 25 of their 27 attempts from downtown. Meanwhile, Xinjiang excelled, hitting 14 of their 26 three-point shots and having six players score in double figures by the end of the third quarter. The Flying Tigers seemed firmly in control with a 99-74 lead entering the final period.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth quarter. The Flying Tigers went cold, failing to find the basket as Shanxi launched a stunning 16-0 run in under five minutes. The Loongs outscored Xinjiang 41-11 in the final quarter, showcasing tenacious defense and clutch scoring.
With less than 40 seconds remaining, Brandon Goodwin, who had missed all six of his three-point attempts, calmly sank two free throws to give Shanxi a 111-110 lead. Han Peiyu then scored under the basket and drew a foul, extending the lead. Although he missed the free throw, Xinjiang’s Q.J. Peterson missed a desperation three-pointer with seven seconds left. The Loongs sealed their victory with two more free throws, completing the epic comeback.
The win marks Shanxi’s 20th victory of the season, propelling them to second place in the standings, just ahead of third-placed Xinjiang. The Loongs’ resilience and determination in the face of a significant deficit highlight their status as strong contenders in the league.
Reference(s):
Shanxi comes back from 25 points behind to defeat Xinjiang at home
cgtn.com
