Record 11-time CBA champions Guangdong Southern Tigers finally shook off their rough start to the new season by narrowly defeating the high-flying Qingdao Eagles 118-113 on the road.

Both Guangdong and Qingdao put on strong performances on Friday, keeping the game neck and neck until the final showdown in the fourth quarter. The tension escalated when Wang Shaojie's foul on Yang Hansan resulted in his sixth foul and ejection from the game, while coach Du Feng's discontent also led to a technical foul.

With just a one-point difference remaining until the last three minutes, Gunagdong slowly began to pull away. Ultimately, Qingdao fell short by 5 points against Guangdong, missing out on a third consecutive victory.

Quinndary Weatherspoon led Qingdao with an impressive 30 points, while Yang Hansan recorded a double-double with 26 points and 11 rebounds, and Myles Powell chipped in 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 13 assists.

Hu Mingxuan of the Guangdong team stole the show with a game-high 40 points, playing a crucial role in halting his team's losing streak.

Qingdao's loss leaves only the Beijing Ducks, Xinjiang Flying Tigers, Zhejiang Lions, Shanxi Loongs, and Liaoning Flying Leopards as the remaining undefeated teams after three games.

In Friday's other games, the Jilin Northeast Tigers sailed past the Fujian Sturgeons 124-109, the Shenzhen Leopards cruised to a 121-100 victory over the Jiangsu Dragons, and the Shanghai Sharks narrowly lost to the Tianjin Pioneers 112-110.