Beijing, 17 October (Hindustan Reporter). The Chengdu Eagles recorded a hard-fought 101-97 win over the Shanghai Sharks in the second round of the 2024-25 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season on Wednesday night. Shanghai matched Chengdu's pace in the first quarter, but struggled to match the latter.
By the fourth quarter, star center Wang Zelin tried to lead Shanghai into a comeback. Liu Zheng hit a crucial three-pointer in the final moments, but his teammate Tremont Waters missed the game-tying shot from beyond the arc, allowing the Sharks to ultimately fall behind.
Chengdu's attack showed great balance, with six players scoring in double figures. Promising center Yang Hansen played a key role in the Eagles' victory, contributing 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Earlier on Tuesday, Xinjiang Flying Tigers had registered a resounding 130-117 win over Shenzhen Leopards.
Dedrick Lawson, who struggled in both the preseason and season opener, scored 18 points in the first quarter, making 7 of 8 shots from the field, to lead Xinjiang to an early 23-point lead. His teammate Quentin Peterson was equally impressive off the bench, putting in a strong performance as Xinjiang scored 81 points in the first half.
Although Shenzhen staged a comeback in the second half, the early gap proved too difficult to overcome, resulting in their second consecutive defeat.
Xinjiang had five players score in double figures, with Lawson finishing the game with 31 points and 10 rebounds, while Peterson had 32 points and eight rebounds.
In other games of the second round, Liaoning Flying Leopards beat Fujian Sturgeons 116-76, Zhejiang Golden Bulls beat Jilin Northeast Tigers 121-113, Shanxi Loongs beat Sichuan Blue Whales 108-91, Beijing Royal Fighters beat Jiangsu Dragons 109-84, Beijing Ducks beat Ningbo Rockets 96-75, Zhejiang Lions beat Nanjing Monkey Kings 115-112, and Shandong Heroes beat Guangdong Southern Tigers 115-105.