QINGDAO, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Darius Adams buried 20 points in the last quarter and contributed a total of 44 points, but could not save his Qingdao Eagles from losing to Xinjiang Flying Tigers 128-125 in the 22nd round of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on Sunday.
With six minutes left in the game, Qingdao fell behind with 10 points, but Xinjiang's two key players, Jarnell Stokes and Yu Changdong, were fouled out, seeming that Qingdao had a chance to come back and extend its winning streak.
Adams was Qingdao's best shooter, but he couldn't make sure to score every time, as three or four defenders came to block him when he tried to shoot.
Under such tough defense, Adams still got 20 points in the last quarter, but his teammates were unable to contribute many points in the crucial time. Kay Felder and Xiralijan Muhtar's three-pointers put a dampener on Qingdao's rally.
Qingdao's Dakari Johnson scored 27 points and 14 rebounds, Zhao Tailong contributed 14 points and Zhang Chengyu had 13 points.
Felder had a team-high 25 points and 11 assists for Xinjiang, Fan Ziming pocketed 23 points and seven rebounds, and Xiralijan scored 17 points.
Xinjiang's star center Zhou Qi got injured in the first quarter and was sent to hospital.
"Our team has been troubled with injuries, so I am satisfied with tonight's match. Every player did his best," coach of Xinjiang, A Dijiang, said.
"Our average height is lower than Xinjiang's, so the rebound wasn't good. Xinjiang is a powerhouse, and I think everyone did his best," said Wu Qinglong, coach of Qingdao.
