The Liaoning Flying Leopards took flight in spectacular fashion, crushing the Fujian Sturgeons with a staggering 116-76 victory in Shenyang on Wednesday. 🚀🏀
From the get-go, the Flying Leopards dominated the court, racking up a 41-21 lead in the first quarter. Zhao Jiwei, Marial Shayok, and Jo Lual-Acuil were unstoppable forces, slicing through Fujian's defense like a hot knife through butter. 🔥
Even the introduction of former NBA guard Joseph Young couldn't flip the script for the Sturgeons. Liaoning's defense intensified three minutes into the second quarter, sparking a 9-0 run that pushed their lead to an incredible 63-33. With five minutes left in the half, the gap was a massive 30 points! 😱
Though Young hustled hard on offense, the Sturgeons were still trailing 71-46 as they headed into halftime. The second half saw both teams easing up on defense, but Liaoning kept their foot on the gas, maintaining a steady 30-point advantage. Garbage time came early, giving the young guns a chance to shine on both sides. 🌟
Six players from Liaoning scored in double digits, with Acuil posting a solid double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds. Shayok and Zhao both dished out six assists, while Yan Shouqi snagged an impressive five steals. 💪
On the flip side, no Chinese player from Fujian broke the 10-point mark. Frank Mason dropped 19 points and handed out five assists, while Baylee Steele secured a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Young contributed 12 points off the bench. 🎯
In other action, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls edged past the Jilin Northeast Tigers 121-113, despite a monstrous 46-point, 11-assist performance from Dominique Jones. The Qingdao Eagles held off the Shanghai Sharks 101-97, surviving a fierce 17-point comeback attempt by the home team. 🏀🔥
Reference(s):
Liaoning Flying Leopards smash Fujian Sturgeons by 40 points
cgtn.com
