Liaoning Flying Leopards moved a step closer to the semifinals of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Playoffs with a 105-96 home victory over the shorthanded Xinjiang Flying Tigers on Tuesday, taking a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five quarterfinal series.
Despite missing several key players, including captain Abdusalam Abdurexit due to a neck injury from Game One, as well as Li Yanzhe, Zhao Rui, Qi Lin, and Sindarius Thornwell, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers showcased resilience. Young talents Xerzat Samat and Elfuratt Mohetanar led a spirited fourth-quarter comeback, hitting back-to-back three-pointers to cut a 23-point deficit down to just three.
However, Liaoning’s veteran Kyle Fogg responded with timely shots, and the Flying Leopards held off the late surge. Zhang Zhenlin contributed 18 points for Liaoning, while Elfuratt Mohetanar led all scorers with an impressive 25 points for Xinjiang.
In another thrilling matchup, the Qingdao Eagles stunned the top-seeded Guangsha Lions with a commanding 116-96 victory in Hangzhou, leveling their series at 1-1. Qingdao’s dynamic duo, Jordan Mickey and Quinndary Weatherspoon, combined for a staggering 65 points. The Eagles dominated the second quarter with a 33-14 run and maintained control throughout the game.
Guangsha’s guard Sun Minghui, still recovering from a foot injury, struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 2-for-11 from the field and finishing with seven points, although he dished out eight assists.
The CBA Playoffs continue to heat up as teams battle for a spot in the next round. With underdog victories and intense comebacks, basketball fans are in for an exciting postseason.
