The court was electric on Saturday night as the Xinjiang Flying Tigers took on the Qingdao Eagles in a CBA Club Cup showdown in Qingdao, eastern China. 🏀✨
The game kicked off with both teams trading points and leads, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. By the end of the first quarter, the Eagles had a slight advantage, leading 27-23. But the real drama unfolded in the second quarter when Xinjiang's star guard Zhao Rui suffered an ankle injury and had to exit the game. 😱
Zhao's departure was a tough blow, especially since he had just returned from a previous injury, playing only 14 games last season and a handful this one. However, the Flying Tigers refused to let this setback clip their wings. 🐯💪
Rallying together, Xinjiang surged ahead, outscoring Qingdao 30-18 in the second quarter. By halftime, they had flipped the script, leading 53-48. The momentum only grew in the third quarter, with the Flying Tigers unleashing a 12-0 run, pushing their lead to a hefty 16 points at 80-64. 🚀🔥
But the Eagles weren't ready to surrender. Kicking off the fourth quarter with determination, they clawed their way back, narrowing the gap to just three points at 87-84. The tension was palpable! 😰
However, the Flying Tigers had no intention of letting victory slip away. They soared once more, responding with a fierce 15-0 run. In the clutch moments, Qin Lin and QJ Peterson delivered spectacular plays—a four-point and a three-point play—that sealed the deal for Xinjiang. 🏆🎉
Final score: Xinjiang Flying Tigers 95, Qingdao Eagles 86. A game filled with thrills, comebacks, and unforgettable moments—a true testament to the spirit of basketball! 🏀❤️
Reference(s):
Xinjiang Flying Tigers reject comeback efforts by Qingdao Eagles
cgtn.com
