Regrettably! Zhao Jiwei’s game-tying three-pointer rimmed out, Diallo scored 28 points as Shanxi narrowly defeated Liaoning to claim their third consecutive win.

On January 20th, in the CBA regular season, Shanxi narrowly beat Liaoning 90-86 at home, achieving their third consecutive victory.

Shanxi’s Diallo scored 28 points with 6 rebounds and 2 blocks, Knight added 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, Faye posted 12 points and 10 rebounds, Liu Chuanxing contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds; Liaoning’s Wells had 25 points and 6 rebounds, Morland recorded 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 steals, Zhao Jiwei tallied 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Fu Hao scored 11 points.

In the first quarter, Knight hit a long-range shot, Diallo successfully made a three-pointer, followed by Knight’s combination of drives and jumpshots to keep scoring; Zhao Jiwei nailed a deep shot, and Wells scored four points from the top of the arc. The game remained tight with Shanxi leading slightly at 13-12. Wells and Wang Lanqin fired consecutive shots from outside, with Wells banking in a shot, helping Liaoning finish the quarter ahead 24-21.

In the second quarter, the teams remained tied at 26 early on. Wells and Morland kept attacking, while Yu Zechen hit a long-range shot from the top of the key; Faye and Knight scored consecutively inside the paint, Diallo made a mid-range jumper, and the score was locked again at 37-37. Yu Miti and Diallo scored in succession, Jiao Hailong made a buzzer-beater layup, and Shanxi played impressively to lead 49-41 at halftime.

During the third quarter, Wells drained a three-pointer, Morland continued to attack the basket, and Fu Hao scored on a layup, tying the game at 54. The teams battled back and forth until the score was tied at 60. Knight stepped up at a crucial moment, scoring multiple points to help Shanxi regain the lead, ending the quarter ahead 67-64.

In the final quarter, Yan Shouqi and Wells hit consecutive three-pointers, helping Shanxi take a 70-69 lead. The score remained close for a long stretch, with Shanxi holding a slim 82-81 advantage. Diallo slammed a dunk on a fast break, Jiang Yuxing responded with a layup, and Shanxi maintained a one-point lead. In the decisive moments, Yuan Shuai scored on a bank shot, Diallo made a crucial steal followed by a key layup, pushing Shanxi ahead 88-83. Wells then drew a three-point foul on Diallo, making all three free throws to cut the gap to two. Later, Diallo was called for a foul on Jiang Yuxing during an offensive play, Zhao Jiwei’s critical three-pointer rimmed out, Liaoning committed a tactical foul, Diallo made both free throws, and Shanxi held on for a narrow victory.

Starting Lineups

Shanxi: Jiao Hailong, Liu Chuanxing, Yu Miti, Diallo, Knight

Liaoning: Fu Hao, Zhao Jiwei, Jiang Yuxing, Morland, Wells