Xinjiang rout Beijing, Shenzhen topple Jiangsu

BEIJING - Zhou Qi contributed 23 points and 13 rebounds as the visiting Xinjiang Flying Tigers edged Beijing Ducks for a nail-biting 88-87 victory, while Shenzhen Aviators beat Jiangsu Dragons 109-102 at home in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) games on Wednesday.

Xinjiang controlled the paint area as the visitors grabbed 17 offensive rebounds and outnumbered Beijing 12 rebounds in the tough battle.

The last 14.2 seconds witnessed the moments of drama. After Zeng Lingxu hit a 3-pointer for Xinjiang to lead 88-84, Zhai Xiaochuan answered with his basket from the arc for 88-87 with 7.2 seconds remaining. Then came on Zhou who missed his two free throws, but Xinjiang still celebrated its win as Zhai failed to make his buzzer-beater.

Xinjiang led 27-17 in the opening quarter although starting forward Abudushalamu was forced off the court in the second minute of the play.

Two 3-pointers from Zhu Yanxi and Zhai helped the home team to trim the deficit to 46-42 into the half break, and then took a 71-69 lead by the end of the third quarter.

"We played hard but had huge problems on rebounds. And we made mistakes at clutch time," said Beijing head coach Yannis Christopoulos. "I planned for Jeremy Lin to execute the last shot, but I was not sure if he can get the ball."

Lin posted 21 points and five assists for Beijing, and Ekpe Udoh hit 12 out of 19 attempts for 27 points and 12 rebounds. Eric Mika got 20 points and 13 rebounds for Xinjiang.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Dwight Buycks posted 34 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists for Shenzhen, while Li Muhao added 21 points and 11 rebounds. Miroslav Raduljica scored a game-high 40 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for the losing side.

Shenzhen got the upper hand all the way throughout the game as they boosted a 15-0 spurt in the opening quarter. With nine minutes remaining, Jiangsu cut the deficit to 91-90, before the hosts held out the challenge to seal the 109-102 victory thanks to Buycks.

"I feel proud of my players," Shenzhen coach Wang Jianjun said. "They spared no efforts to fight for rebounds and they deserved the victory."

In addition, Zhejiang Golden Bulls secured their three straight win at home by beating Guangzhou Loong Lions 119-107. Darius Adams pocketed 50 points for Qingdao Eagles to win over Jilin Northeast Tigers 118-108 on the road.