Published: 10:15, December 31, 2024
CBA: Xinjiang beats Beijing, Shanghai extends winning streak to 11
By Xinhua
Richard Solomon (left) of the Beijing Ducks goes up for a layup against the Xinjiang Flying TIgers during a match of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in Urumqi, the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Dec 30, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING - Quentin Peterson scored a game-high 30 points to lead the Xinjiang Flying Tigers to a 108-97 victory over the Beijing Ducks in the 24th round of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on Monday night.

Bouncing back from a 26-point road loss to the Liaoning Flying Leopards on Saturday, Xinjiang returned home determined to make a statement against Beijing. Peterson, who had been struggling in recent outings, found his rhythm in the third quarter, nailing consecutive tough three-pointers during a pivotal 20-0 run that sealed the game for Xinjiang.

Despite Beijing's efforts to rally in the fourth quarter, young guard Elfrat Muhtar sank a clutch three-pointer to secure the win for the home side.

In another eye-catching matchup, Liaoning edged the Guangdong Southern Tigers 95-89 at home. Liaoning relied on critical late-game contributions from guard Wang Lanqin and power forward Fu Hao to overcome their long-standing rivals.

ALSO READ: CBA: Zhejiang, Shanghai gain momentum to extend winning streak

Eric Bledsoe (center) of the Shanghai Sharks shoots the ball during a match of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, on Dec 30, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

The Shanghai Sharks continued their remarkable turnaround in the second stage of the season, extending their winning streak to 11 games with a 133-131 overtime win against the Nanjing Monkey Kings. Kenneth Lofton proved to be Shanghai's hero, delivering a decisive layup in the final moments of overtime.

The 22-year-old American finished with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. His teammate Eric Bledsoe recorded 34 points and 11 assists.

In other games, the Shandong Heroes smashed the Sichuan Blue Whales 111-80, the Shanxi Loongs dominated the Jilin Northeast Tigers 116-83, the Zhejiang Lions won over the Qingdao Eagles 103-89, and the Ningbo Rockets overcame the Guangzhou Loong Lions 92-85.

READ MORE: CBA: Zhejiang Lions leads standings after third consecutive win

In three earlier games of this round on Sunday, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls swept the Fujian Sturgeons 126-103, the Beijing Royal Fighters beat the Jiangsu Dragons 112-94, while the Shenzhen Leopards won over the Tianjin Pioneers 110-107.