In a stunning twist last night, the defending champs Liaoning Flying Leopards faced their first loss of the season, edged out by the Shanxi Loongs with a tight score of 103-100. 🏀🔥
The atmosphere in Shenyang was electric as Liaoning rained down 16 three-pointers from 37 attempts. Marial Shayok lit up the court with 21 points and three steals, while Kyle Fogg came off the bench to drop a game-high 30 points. Talk about firepower! 🔥
But here's the plot twist: the rest of the starting lineup just couldn't find their groove. None of the other starters hit double digits, and star point guard Zhao Jiwei managed only eight points and six assists, coupled with six turnovers. Ouch. 😬
With two minutes left on the clock, Liaoning was up 100-94 and fans were ready to celebrate. But Shanxi had other plans. The Loongs launched a fierce 9-0 run, starting with Xing Zhiqiang's epic four-point play over Fogg and a clutch block on Wang Lanqin's layup attempt. 🚫
Brandon Goodwin then tied it up at 100-100, and after a costly turnover by Han Dejun for traveling, Shanxi seized their moment. Xing missed a three, but Zhang Ning snagged the offensive rebound, dished it back to Goodwin, and bam! Goodwin nailed the game-winner right in Zhao's face. Game over! 💥
Liaoning had two shots to force overtime in the final 13 seconds, but luck wasn't on their side as both Fogg and Zhao missed from downtown. The buzzer sounded, and Shanxi celebrated their hard-fought victory.
This win puts the Shanxi Loongs neck and neck with Liaoning, both boasting a 5-1 record. Looks like we've got a season full of surprises ahead! Stay tuned, hoop fans! 🏀✨
Reference(s):
Liaoning Flying Leopards suffer first loss of season at home to Shanxi
cgtn.com
