Zhao Jiwei delivered a standout performance as the Liaoning Flying Leopards defeated the Jilin Northeast Tigers 112-99 in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. This marks the home team’s second consecutive win in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
Zhao was the star of the night, sinking seven out of ten attempts from beyond the arc to tally a team-high 23 points. He also dished out nine assists, surpassing Guo Ailun to become Liaoning’s all-time leader in assists with 2,581.
In the opening quarter, Zhao showcased his versatility, hitting two three-pointers and setting up his teammates for easy baskets. Liaoning edged ahead, leading 28-24 at the end of the first quarter.
The Jilin Northeast Tigers fought back in the second quarter. Dominique Jones and Tomas Kyzlink spearheaded the counterattack, with Jones scoring both from long range and driving aggressively to the hoop. Kyzlink’s steal and slam dunk over Zhang Zhenlin energized the visitors, who closed the half with a 13-5 run to lead 56-49.
Liaoning responded after halftime, with Zhao and Zhang attacking the paint relentlessly. Kyle Fogg matched Jones’s offensive output, helping Liaoning outscore Jilin 31-20 in the third quarter to reclaim the lead at 80-76.
In the final quarter, Zhao continued his hot streak from downtown, sparking an 11-3 run that extended Liaoning’s advantage to double digits. Despite Jones’s impressive 42-point effort, Jilin couldn’t close the gap, and Liaoning secured the 112-99 victory.
Elsewhere, the Guangsha Lions halted their two-game skid by defeating the Nanjing Monkey Kings 105-98 on the road. Barry Brown Jr. led the way with a game-high 38 points, shooting 12-for-24 from the field.
