Shenzhen noses out Beijing to extend winning streak to eight games in CBA

ZHUJI, China - As Askia Booker's 3-pointer attempt inflicted an unsportsmanlike foul in the final seconds, the Shenzhen Aviators nosed out the Beijing Ducks 95-92 for an eight-game winning streak in the 2020-21 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) here on Sunday.

After Beijing guard Fang Shuo got two points from the free-throw line, the game was tied 90-90 with nine seconds left.

However, as Booker earned an unsportsmanlike foul from Liu Xiaoyu who stepped his foot under him and sprained his ankle, Shenzhen finally nailed down the victory via three free-throws.

Gu Quan led Shenzhen with 29 points on 10-of-14 shooting. Booker added 27 points and seven assists.

Fang pocketed a team-high 28 points, with Justin Hamilton adding 22 points. Zhai Xiaochuan contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Shenzhen started the game with a 10-1 scoring dash led by Booker's consecutive jump shots, forcing their rivals to call a timeout after which Beijing gradually found the rhythm in offense while still lagging behind by two points at the end of the first quarter.

Beijing continued the good momentum in the second quarter, ending the first half 45-44.

Shenzhen retook the lead in the third quarter via a brilliant shooting performance from beyond the arc, outscoring Beijing 71-66 before the final fight.

Beijing players were angry about the final foul call which was made after the judges took a review of the video playback. Some players left the court before the last whistle to protest the penalty.

"It's a very close and intense game. Our starters played well as usual but the bench players still had a lot to learn. We cannot always rely on veterans since the season is long," commented Qiu Biao, Shenzhen's head coach.

"The whole team played hard tonight and experienced a lot of ups and downs in the game. There is still room for us to get improved and it's time to see more young teammates stand out in the coming games," said Gu.