Both CBA powerhouse Xinjiang Flying Tigers and underdog Beijing Royal Fighters got satisfactory results from the 2019-2020 season CBA opening round games on Saturday.
Xinjiang, the runner-up from last season, wrapped up a smashing victory after beating Sichuan 134-87.
The Royal Fighters, the lowest-ranked team for the previous season, took down last season's semifinalist Shenzhen Aviators 108-103.
Zhou Qi scored the game-high 27 points to lead five players with double digits for Xinjiang.
Both Sichuan and Xinjiang played aggressively in the first half and Xinjiang just got one point lead after the second quarter. Strengthening its attack, Xinjiang enlarged the advantage to 25 points at the end of third quarter and never looked back to seal the victory.
It's a big win for Beijing Royal Fighters, who had lost all their 10 CBA meetings with Shenzhen. Kyle Fogg dominated the game, taking home 35 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists, just one rebound shy of a Triple-double.
Zhejiang Lions and Fujian Sturgeons also had a close game. Aaron Jackson and Hu Jinqiu combined to score 60 points as Lions overcame Fujian 93-90.
In Nanjing, Antonio Blakeney missed the buzzer beater and could not save Jiangsu Dragons from being narrowly beaten by Zhejiang Golden Bulls 97-96.
In Qingdao, Dominique Jones of Jilin scored the game-high 28 points and dished out eight assists to help Jilin Northeast Tigers beat host Qingdao Eagles 105-103.
Shanghai Sharks defeated Nanjing Monkey Kings 93-84 thanks to a 19 points, 15 rebounds, six assists performance from Donatas Motiejunas.
In another game on Saturday, Shandong Heroes took down Bayi Rockets 108-95.
(Cover: Beijing Royal Fighters head coach Stephon Marbury conducts players during the CBA match against Shenzhen Aviators, Beijing, China, November 2, 2019. /VCG Photo)