Kyle Fogg (L) of Beijing Royal Fighters competes during the quarterfinal match between Beijing Royal Fighters and Xinjiang Flying tigers at the 2019-2020 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Aug. 3, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)
After moving past Beijing Royal Fighters in CBA quarterfinals, Xinjiang Flying Tigers will contend the winners between Liaoning Flying Leopards and Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the semifinals.
QINGDAO, China, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Xinjiang Flying Tigers tamed the Beijing Royal Fighters 103-91 in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) playoffs here on Monday to reach the semifinals.
Kyle Fogg led Beijing to establish a six-point lead in the first quarter, but Xinjiang cut the deficit to only one point at the end of the quarter.
After two sides endured a two-minute scoring drought in the following quarter, the Flying Tigers managed to grabbed a two-point advantage into the second half.
Xiralijan Muhtar buried four three-pointers in the third quarter and helped Xinjiang obtain a nine-point lead.
Although center Zhou Qi was rested with five fouls for a while in the last quarter, the Flying Tigers maintained an advantage of around 10 points until the end.
Zhou got a team-high 27 points and 12 rebounds, Xiralijan finished with 21 points from seven three-pointers, and Fan Ziming added 12 points.
Stephon Marbury(L), head coach of Beijing Royal Fighters, reacts during the quarterfinal match between Beijing Royal Fighters and Xinjiang Flying tigers at the 2019-2020 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Aug. 3, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)
On the Royal Fighters' side, Fogg collected a game-high 31 points, Arnett Moultrie grabbed 14 points and 16 rebounds, Wang Zirui and Zhang Fan notched 12 points apiece.
Xinjiang will fight with the winners between the Liaoning Flying Leopards and the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the best-of-three semifinals.
"It was a tough game. Our guys fought hard and made their best efforts. We will take some rest and get ready for the next year," said former NBA star Stephon Marbury, coach of Beijing.
"I am not happy with the result of this season. We have to be stronger and mentally tougher, and focus more on the game," Marbury added.
"We won the game with all domestic players while Royal Fighters have two powerful overseas players, this victory will greatly boost our confidence," said Xinjiang coach Adiljan. ■
