BEIJING - The Shandong Heroes and the Shenzhen Leopards emerged victorious in two intense derby battles during Saturday night's Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) matches.

On their home court, Shandong narrowly secured a 115-111 victory over provincial rivals the Qingdao Eagles, handing them a third consecutive defeat. 

Elsewhere on Saturday, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls beat the Ningbo Rockets 120-106 and the Guangzhou Loong Lions smashed the Sichuan Blue Whales 125-98

In the first half, Qingdao initially took control of the game. However, Troy Gillenwater played a pivotal role in Shandong's comeback, showcasing a versatile offensive performance and dominating the paint. 

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The American scored an impressive 38 points in the second half, finishing the game with a remarkable 53 points and 9 rebounds. In the closing moments, his teammate Chen Peidong also contributed a crucial steal, sealing the victory for Shandong.

In another derby showdown against the Guangdong Southern Tigers, Shenzhen guard He Xining delivered a standout performance, single-handedly carrying the team with 44 points, and receiving an assist from Jared Sullinger in the decisive moments, sinking a game-winning long-range shot to secure a 97-90 victory for Shenzhen.

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Elsewhere on Saturday, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls beat the Ningbo Rockets 120-106, the Guangzhou Loong Lions smashed the Sichuan Blue Whales 125-98, the Beijing Ducks defeated the Jiangsu Dragons 113-89, and the Jilin Northeast Tigers overcame the Shanghai Sharks 104-96.