Dong Hanlin (L) of Shanghai Sharks drives the ball during the 4th round match between Beijing Ducks and Shanghai Sharks at the 2020-2021 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Zhuji, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)
ZHUJI, China, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Ducks edged the Shanghai Sharks 102-99 after a see-saw battle in the 2020-21 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) here on Saturday.
Beijing established a double-digit advantage through free throws and led 27-18 in the first quarter against a Shanghai side initially composed exclusively of domestic players. After Jimmer Fredette stepped in, Shanghai took a 54-45 lead in the second period and kept a 10-point advantage for most of the third period.
Trailing 79-70 as they entered the decisive quarter, Beijing's Liu Xiaoyu played a critical role by making two consecutive three-pointers. After Beijing's final time-out, the turning point came as Fang Shuo's three-pointer gifted Beijing a 97-96 lead.
Shanghai's He Zhongda got a chance of three free throws to tie the scores but missed two, allowing Beijing to seal the victory.
Fredette notched a game-high 27 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Zhai Xiaochuan grabbed a team-high 22 points for Beijing.
"In the second half, we did not play our basketball. We were selfish, offensively and defensively. I will take all responsibility for this one. I will try to learn about my team to find out how to use my players in the best way," said Shanghai head coach Neven Spahija. Enditem
