Beijing, April 07, 2024, The Europe Today: In a thrilling showdown on Saturday, the Liaoning Flying Leopards secured the 2023-2024 regular season championship of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league with a hard-fought 101-96 triumph over the Zhejiang Lions, culminating in an impressive 43-9 win-loss record.
As the defending champion and boasting a formidable track record with three prior league victories, Liaoning entered this season as a top contender for the coveted title. Despite already clinching the top spot in the regular season standings, their encounter with the Lions, a potential playoff adversary, added further intrigue to the matchup.
Playing on their home court, Liaoning took an early lead, establishing an 11-point advantage by halftime. However, the Lions mounted a determined comeback, tying the game 94-94 in the closing minutes of the fourth period. In a thrilling finale, Liaoning surged ahead with a decisive 7-2 run to seal the victory.
Center Eric Moreland delivered an outstanding performance for Liaoning, achieving a double-double with game-highs of 30 points and 25 rebounds. Star point guard Zhao Jiwei contributed 12 points and an impressive 12 assists, while talented forward Zhang Zhenlin added 18 crucial points to the scoreboard.
For the Zhejiang Lions, Quinndary Weatherspoon led the charge with a team-high 21 points in a valiant effort.
Meanwhile, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers secured the second position in the league standings following a dominant 121-74 victory over the Jiangsu Dragons. Abdusalam Abdurexit and Mitchell Creek both contributed 23 points to propel Xinjiang to a commanding win.
In other league matchups:
- Qingdao Eagles defeated Sichuan Blue Whales 87-70
- Guangzhou Loong Lions breezed past Nanjing Monkey Kings 109-87
- Jilin Northeast Tigers took down Fujian Sturgeons 107-96
- Tianjin Pioneers edged out Guangdong Southern Tigers 113-112
- Beijing Ducks prevailed over Shenzhen Aviators 107-102
- Shandong Heroes secured a convincing victory against Ningbo Rockets with a score of 128-104
- Shanxi Loongs overcame Beijing Royal Fighters 117-103
- Zhejiang Golden Bulls overwhelmed Shanghai Sharks with a score of 128-95
The conclusion of the regular season sets the stage for an exciting playoff series, with the Liaoning Flying Leopards aiming to defend their title in pursuit of another championship glory in the CBA league.
