Li Xiaoxu (second right) of the Liaoning Flying Leopards vies for the ball with Li An (first right) of the Jilin Northeast Tigers during a game of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in Changchun, Jilin province, on Jan 5, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING - Friday night marked a surprising turn in the Chinese Basketball Association as four of the top five ranked teams took to the court, only Xinjiang Flying Tigers emerged with a victory at home.

In a highly-anticipated clash, Beijing Royal Fighters extended their winning streak to six by overpowering Zhejiang Lions. The Royal Fighters maintained control throughout the game, sealing a 115-89 victory.

Guangdong Southern Tigers, struggling in recent form, faced a tough challenge against Shanxi Loongs. Despite holding an 11-point lead in the first quarter, Guangdong succumbed to a remarkable 44-point surge from Shanxi in the second quarter. Shanxi's momentum continued, securing a 119-108 win.

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Defending champions Liaoning Flying Leopards encountered a similar fate on the road. While leading by as much as 14 points in the second quarter against Jilin Northeast Tigers, Liaoning faltered in the face of QJ Peterson's outstanding performance. Peterson's 40-point display, including 10 three-pointers, led Jilin to a 112-104 comeback victory over Liaoning.

The only team among the top five to emerge victorious was Xinjiang, comfortably defeating Ningbo Rockets 118-92.

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In another match, Guangzhou Loong Lions secured a dominant 108-82 win over the struggling Sichuan Blue Whales, who suffered their 16th consecutive defeat.