The Xinjiang Flying Tigers edged the Beijing Royal Fighters 98-92 in the 2022-2023 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league on Wednesday.
Xinjiang started strong with Tacko Fall and Abdusalam Abdurexit penetrating Beijing's defense. Despite Liao Sanning and Yu Changdong's baskets, Xinjiang managed to lead 19-15 after the first quarter.
Robert Golden led an 8-0 run for Beijing to seize the advantage early in the second quarter. However, with a flurry of 3-pointers from Zhu Xuhang and Christopher Clemons, Xinjiang built its leading position again and led 58-45 into the second half.
Zhang Fan's 3-pointer started Beijing's attack in the third quarter, with Zou Yuchen and Liao also contributing on the offensive end. Liu Xiaoyu's 3-pointer pulled Beijing within 70-77 after three quarters.
Center Isaac Haas helped Beijing narrow the gap to two points, and Beijing tied the game at 87-87 with four minutes left. After a timeout, Zhu and Abdusalam gifted Xinjiang a 5-0 scoring run to regain its grip on the game.
Clemons led Xinjiang with 24 points, followed by Abdusalam's 23 points and 15 rebounds.
Zhang scored 21 points, leading four other Beijing players in double-digits.
In the other fixture on Wednesday, the Beijing Ducks overwhelmed the Qingdao Eagles 94-79.
