Xinjiang move one win away from CBA Finals
Lindell Wigginton powered the Xinjiang Flying Tigers past the Zhejiang Golden Bulls 105-93 on the road in Game 3 of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league semifinals, putting them one step away from winning the best-of-five series.
The former NBA Milwaukee Bucks guard led Xinjiang with 32 points, center Li Yanzhe took a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Qi Lin added 12 points.
Five scored in double digits on Zhejiang's roster, with Jarmar Gulley taking a team-high 17 points. Yu Jiahao and Carlik Jones added 15 apiece.
The scores were close with over two minutes left in the fourth quarter until CBA regular season MVP Abdusalam Abdurexit's block and layup disrupted Zhejiang's rhythm, and then several turnovers by the home team left them unable to turn the tide.
"Attitude and good defense are the keys to our victory," said Xinjiang's head coach Qiu Biao, whose side had a dull first half but fought back after returning from the locker room.
Although Wigginton finally showed his toolkit in offense after six disappointing playoff games, Xinjiang might have some concerns over its starting guard Zhao Rui's injury. Zhao clinched six points and five assists in his 13 minutes of action, but reportedly suffered a recurring thigh injury in the first half to leave the court and didn't come back.
Facing Zhao's unclear body condition, Qiu urged his side to make full preparations for the next game. "We need to concentrate on every run, both in offense and defense," Qiu noted.
The two sides will stay in Zhejiang for Thursday's Game 4.