The Xinjiang Flying Tigers are in the driver's seat as they are only one win away from reaching the CBA Finals. The Flying Tigers took a commanding 3-0 lead over the Liaoning Flying Leopards on Wednesday after a 116-108 win.

Former NBA veteran and Gilas Pilipinas standout Andray Blatche exploded for 30 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Blatche has been playing for the Flying Tigers since 2014 and he is determined to bring the franchise's first CBA championship.

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Darius Adams also came up for Xinjiang with 34 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals. 2016 NBA draft pick of the Houston Rockets Zhou Qi added 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and seven blocks, per Real GM.

It was a statement game for the Flying Tigers as they took a commanding lead and they are one win away from playing in the CBA Finals since the 2013-14 season. They were defeated by Stephon Marbury's Beijing Ducks during that season 4-2.

On the other hand, Dejun Han led the Leopards with 28 points, 22 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Former Boston Celtics player Lester Hudson had 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block but it was not enough to get their first win in the CBA semifinals.

Shooting guard Ailun Guo added 20 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals. The Leopards were playing in front of their hometown fans but they were blown out right from the start by the visiting Xinjiang Flying Tigers.

According to Xinhuanet, the Flying Tigers led as many as 31 points in the first half before the Leopards managed a furious comeback. However, it felt short as the lead only reached six points in the final minute before Xinjiang staved off the upset. Game 4 of this matchup is on Friday, March 15 at the Tiexi Gymnasium in Yingkou, Liaoning.

 

Tagschinese basketball association, cba, CBA Semifinals, Xinjiang Flying tigers, Liaoning Flying Leopards