Gabe York Leads Zhejiang to Victory Over CBA Champions Liaoning
In a thrilling match on Sunday evening, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls stunned the reigning Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) champions, the Liaoning Flying Leopards, with a 101-88 victory in Shaoxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province. This win marks Zhejiang’s second consecutive triumph in the league.
Gabe York was the standout performer for the Golden Bulls, delivering an impressive 31 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. His sharpshooting was on full display as he drained six three-pointers in the second quarter alone, contributing 23 of Zhejiang’s 27 points in that period and keeping the game within reach during the first half.
The Golden Bulls started strong with a 7-0 run, but the Flying Leopards quickly responded. Kyle Fogg’s layup ignited Liaoning’s offense, and their tenacious defense began to stifle Zhejiang’s scoring opportunities, closing the first quarter with Zhejiang leading by a slim margin of 20-18.
Liaoning took control early in the second quarter, with Dez Wells and James Webb combining for 17 points, pushing the champions ahead by 12 points at 42-30. However, York’s hot hand kept Zhejiang in the game, ensuring they trailed by just two points, 49-47, at halftime.
The third quarter saw both teams struggle offensively. Zhejiang managed only five points in the first five minutes, but Liaoning couldn’t capitalize, experiencing their own scoring drought. The Golden Bulls regained momentum in the final minutes, outscoring the Flying Leopards 8-2 and entering the fourth quarter with a 78-70 lead.
Despite Liaoning’s 6-0 run at the start of the fourth quarter, their shooting woes from beyond the arc proved costly. The champions missed 25 of their 34 three-point attempts, while Zhejiang showcased efficiency, hitting half of their shots from long range.
This defeat highlights Liaoning’s recent struggles since the second phase of the regular season began in late November. They have now lost eight of their 12 games against other top 12 teams in the league.
Reference(s):
Zhejiang beats CBA champion Liaoning on Gabe York's impressive evening
cgtn.com
