Zheng Qilong (L) of Jiangsu Dragons goes up for a bakst during the first round match between Qingdao Eagles and Jiangsu Dragons at the 2020-2021 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Zhuji, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Sadat)
ZHUJI, China, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Qingdao Eagles beat Jiangsu Dragons on Saturday, winning the first game of the 2020-21 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league.
Qingdao shooter Zhang Chengyu had a game-best 28 points, including 18 in the first half. Young center Liu Chuanxing contributed 11 rebounds.
"It's great to win the season opener," said Qingdao head coach Wu Qinglong. "At the same time, we should've done a better job."
"We made too many turnovers."
Qingdao made as many as 20 turnovers throughout the game, while Jiangsu made even two more.
"It's hard to win a game when you made 22 turnovers," said Jiangsu guard Huang Rongqi who bagged a team-best 22 points. "And also, we lost Wu, one of the league's best centers in the first quarter."
Jiangsu pivot Wu Guanxi injured his left ankle in the opening quarter, and Qingdao started to take advantage of the paint. The two teams had a tight first quarter, which ended with Jiangsu leading 25-23.
The second quarter saw a more efficient Qingdao. Zhang led the team to make straight baskets, helping his team wrap up the first half with a seven-point advantage.
Jiangsu tried to fight back in the third quarter, only to see Qingdao keep attacking the rim. Qingdao broadened the gap to more than 10 points in the latter half of the final quarter and sealed the victory soon afterward.
Qingdao veteran shooter Zhao Tailong, who had eight points, fell down and injured his back in the third quarter.
Former Chinese national team head coach, Li Nan screwed up his debut show as a CBA team's head coach with Jiangsu.
"Coaching a CBA team isn't any easier than coaching the national team, and sometimes even harder," said Li.
"It's a young team. No one is happy about losing. I hope we can move forward and get the team to a higher level."
Jiangsu forward Zheng Qilong added 20 points. Enditem