Zhao Dapeng (1st R) of Qingdao Eagles and Meng Zikai (2nd R) of Tianjin Pioneers vie for the ball during a match between Qingdao Eagles and Tianjin Pioneers at the 2019-2020 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, July 15, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)
QINGDAO, China, July 15 (Xinhua) -- A big first-quarter lead helped Qingdao Eagles edge Tianjin Pioneers 113-108 at home on Wednesday in the 2019-20 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
Point guard Zhang Chengyu notched a game-high 21 points for Qingdao, while teammates Zhao Dapeng and Yang Jinmeng each added 20 points.
Qingdao established an 18-7 advantage to start the game with Zhao contributing 10 points, and led the first quarter 31-18.
Tianjin improved their team cooperation to cut the deficit to six after He Siyu made a three-pointer in the second minute of the second quarter. A timeout call inspired Qingdao to regain a double-digit edge and led the first half at 60-45 with Zhao hitting his three-pointer.
When Qingdao got stuck with fouls during the last minutes, Tianjin trimmed the margin to 99-93 with free throws but failed in their last three-pointer to surrender the game.
Qingdao will play Beijing Royal Fighters on Friday, while Tianjin meet Bayi Rockets on Sunday. Enditem
