Published: 09:36, May 9, 2024
Liaoning forces decider in CBA semis
By Xinhua
Fu Hao (left) of the Liaoning Flying Leopards shoots against the Guangdong Southern Tigers during the playoffs of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA)  in Dongguang, South China's Guangdong province, on May 8, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

GUANGZHOU - The Liaoning Flying Leopards registered a 107-90 road victory over the Guangdong Southern Tigers on Wednesday, leveling the best-of-five Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) semifinals at 2-2.

Three consecutive 3-pointers helped Guangdong establish an early double-digit lead at 22-12, but they suddenly lost momentum on both ends as Liaoning took 21 points in a row to surpass the hosts 33-22 with two minutes played in the second quarter.

Former NBA Houston Rockets center Zhou Qi hit all eight free throws to help Guangdong cut the deficit to 52-43 before the interval, while Liaoning extended the lead to over 20 points in the third quarter. Guangdong continued struggling in offense in the last period and witnessed the game slip out of their hand.

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Fu's teammate Kyle Fogg contributed 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Zhao Jiwei added 22 points and five assists. Zhou led Guangdong with 18 points and 10 rebounds

"It's not over," said Fu Hao, who had a game-high 31 points for Liaoning. "We just tied the series and the next game will be the most crucial one."

Fu's teammate Kyle Fogg contributed 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Zhao Jiwei added 22 points and five assists. Zhou led Guangdong with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

"All our 12 players were in action today and every one of them was a fighter. We showed great determination every time when we faced difficulties. We fought with injuries to bring the series back to Shenyang. This is a night worth celebration, but after tonight we will continue to prepare for the next game," said Liaoning's coach Yang Ming.

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Liaoning will host Guangdong in Game 5 on Saturday.