In an electrifying showdown in Shenzhen, the Shanxi Loongs clawed their way to a thrilling 132-127 overtime win against the Shenzhen Leopards on Tuesday night. 🐲💥
Despite missing their star American guard Brandon Goodwin due to suspension, the Loongs showed unstoppable spirit. The first quarter ended in a tight 16-16 tie, but Shenzhen roared ahead with a 13-2 run, leading 29-18. Shanxi wasn't having it—they fired back with an 8-0 streak, closing the gap to just three points! 🔥
Zhou Peng was on fire for Shenzhen in the second quarter, nailing all four of his shots from downtown. But the Loongs weren't backing down. With five triples sinking in the quarter, players like Hamidou Diallo, Zhang Ning, and newcomer Walt Lemon Jr. all scored double digits by halftime, pushing Shanxi ahead 60-58. Talk about a comeback! 😱
The battle intensified in the third quarter as both teams traded leads. A scare hit when Zhou Peng left the game with an injury, but his teammates stepped up, ending the quarter with Shenzhen leading 91-85. Zhou made a gutsy return in the fourth, earning three free throws after a foul beyond the arc. Still, Diallo and Zhang of Shanxi were unstoppable, with Zhang sinking two clutch shots to tie the game at 119-119. Overtime, here we go! 🕛
The intensity didn't let up in overtime. Despite Diallo fouling out with Shanxi ahead 130-125, the Loongs held their ground. Shenzhen's Lu Pengyu hit two free throws, but a missed triple by Zhou Peng sealed their fate. Jia Mingru's two successful free throws for Shanxi put the nail in the coffin. Victory for the Loongs! 🏆🎉
Meanwhile, in another exciting match, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers soared over the Beikong Royal Fighters with a 100-93 win on the road, marking their fourth consecutive victory. 🚀
This season of the Chinese Basketball Association is heating up, and we can't wait to see what's next! Stay tuned, hoop fans! 🏀❤️
Reference(s):
Shanxi Loongs battle back to defeat Shenzhen Leopards in overtime
cgtn.com
