The Beijing Ducks nipped defending champions the Liaoning Flying Leopards 81-78, while the Shenzhen Aviators overcame the Shanxi Loongs 104-94 for their eighth consecutive win
After Beijing and Liaoning put on a close matchup in the first quarter, backcourt duo Guo Ailun and Zhao Jiwei spurred a 14-0 run midway through the second quarter to help Liaoning establish a nine-point lead at halftime.
Beijing beefed up its defense in the third quarter and took advantage of Liaoning's turnovers to tie the game. The last quarter featured stifling defense as both teams could not find easy scoring opportunities. Tian Yuxiang stood out for Beijing by hitting a three-pointer with less than one minute to go.
Liaoning had five players scoring in double digits, led by Kyle Fogg's 24 points. Zhai Xiaochuan and Ty Leaf contributed 16 points each for Beijing.
In the other game on Tuesday, Shenzhen quickly built a double-digit lead in the first half, but Shanxi gradually found rhythm behind the arc and narrowed the deficit to seven points before halftime.
Kay Felder shot 6 of 10 beyond the arc, but could not help Shanxi reverse the game as Shenzhen expanded their advantage to 18 points heading into the final frame.
He Xining led Shenzhen with 22 points, and Jared Sullinger added 17 points and 20 rebounds. Felder notched a game-high 37 points and nine assists.
