Xinjiang ends Liaoning's 4-game win streak in CBA
ZHUJI, China - The Xinjiang Flying Tigers snapped the Liaoning Flying Leopards' four-game win streak with an 89-83 victory here on Tuesday.
Donatas Motiejunas had 24 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists for Xinjiang, who held Liaoning to 35 points in the second half. Zhou Qi contributed 22 points and 17 rebounds.
"Both teams did not score past 90 points. It was a battle of defense," Xinjiang coach Adiljan said, "I hope we can keep winning the game based on our defense."
O.J. Mayo finished with a game-high 30 points while Zhang Zhenlin scored 19 points, Zhao Jiwei added 15 points and 8 assists. Liaoning's star guard Guo Ailun missed his third consecutive game.
It was a seesaw battle before Liaoning took its largest lead of the game at 43-30 in the second quarter. Zhou scored six points in a row to help Xinjiang cut the deficit to 48-41 at halftime.
Xinjiang used its defense to fuel the comeback after the break as Tang Caiyu's 3-pointers put the Tigers ahead 58-56. Liaoning regained the lead 70-65 midway through the third, but Motiejunas led Xinjiang to respond with a 9-0 run and then secured the victory from the free-throw line.
"The result does not matter to us, the more important thing for us is to find the best form to prepare for the playoffs," said Liaoning coach Yang Ming.
