The Beijing Ducks took flight on Wednesday, soaring over the Liaoning Flying Leopards with a 90-78 victory in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Club Cup Group D action in Qingdao. 🦆🏀
Anunwa Omot was on fire, dropping a game-high 20 points and leading five Beijing players to score in double figures. The Ducks claimed their second straight win, solidifying their spot at the top of the group. 🔥
The matchup was a highly anticipated battle between two CBA powerhouses. Three-time defending league champions Liaoning faced off against a strong Beijing team for the first time this season. With Liaoning coach Yang Ming up against Beijing's new coach Xu Limin, fans were eager to see how the game would unfold.
Despite missing key players, including several national team stars and last season's Finals MVP Kyle Fogg, Liaoning started strong. Veteran center Han Dejun energized his team, scoring the first six points and setting the tone early on. 💪
But the Ducks weren't about to be outdone. They rallied back, taking control of the game and heading into halftime with a 13-point lead. After the break, Han Dejun continued to impress, going five-for-five from the field and adding 10 points. Young talents Li Huyi and Zhang Junhao showcased their skills, helping Liaoning cut the deficit to single digits.
However, Beijing's depth proved too much for the Flying Leopards. Omot's stellar performance, combined with a strong fourth-quarter push, sealed the deal for the Ducks. \"It was exciting to play against the reigning champions,\" Omot said after the game. \"We gave it our all, and it paid off.\" 🎯
With this win, Beijing remains undefeated in Group D, while Liaoning finds themselves at the bottom of the group. The rivalry between these two titans is far from over, and fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters in league play. 🤩
In other Group D action, hosts Qingdao defeated Nanjing 89-80, leaving both teams with one win and one loss. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage of the CBA Club Cup, with the champions to be decided in February.
Reference(s):
Beijing Ducks rally past Liaoning Flying Leopards in CBA Club Cup
cgtn.com
