Jiang Weize (R) of Jilin Northeast Tigers goes for a lay-up during the 13th round match between Jiangsu Dragons and Jilin Northeast Tigers at the 2020-2021 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Zhuji, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 2, 2020. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)
ZHUJI, China, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- After Shi Hongfei missed a buzzer-beating layup, the Jilin Northeast Tigers labored to a 100-98 overtime victory over the Jiangsu Dragons, as the second stage matches of 2020-21 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league opened here on Wednesday.
Five Jilin players scored in double figures, led by Cui Jinming's 24 points and 12 boards. Jiang Yuxing and Zhong Cheng each pocketed 21 points.
"Both sides showed nerves in offense as it was our first game in the second stage. Especially in the second half, we struggled with our offensive rhythm," explained Jilin coach Wang Han.
Still playing with an all-domestic roster, Jilin relied on Zhong in overtime as the veteran center scored all seven of his team's points down the stretch.
Zhong missed a pair of free throws that could have secured the victory with 6.5 seconds remaining. But at the other end, Shi also had a layup off target, leaving Jiangsu swallowing a defeat.
"It was our first match after foreign players joined the team, and we were in a process of building team chemistry. Our players lacked experience in dealing with the ball in clutch time," Jiangsu coach Li Nan lamented.
Jilin rode on a 6-0 run midway through the first quarter to race ahead 18-11, before building an eight-point advantage as the quarter expired.
Powered by newly-recruited overseas player Dezmine Wells, Jiangsu used a 12-2 spurt to turn the table in the second quarter, but Jilin managed to take a slender 46-45 lead into half-time.
The fierce battle continued in the second half. Jilin went up 71-62 early in the final period, but Wells continued his offensive output, helping Jiangsu level the scores at 93-93 in regulation time.
Wells shot 10 of 19 to score 28 points. Wu Guanxi had a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds.
"Today's game was positive for our team even though we didn't win. The team has to be familiar with each other," said Wells.
Jilin will square off against the Liaoning Flying Leopards on Friday, while Jiangsu takes on the Shandong Heroes on Saturday.
