Both CBA powerhouses the Zhejiang Golden Bulls and the Liaoning Flying Leopards took home wins after easy victories over their opponents in the first stage of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on Tuesday.

Zhejiang encountered former CBA champions the Beijing Ducks. The two teams had a physical first half. Beijing struggled on the offensive side in the second half, while Zhejiang shooters found their rhythm to seal the victory 96-73.

Zhejiang made as many as 11 three-pointers, while Beijing had none.

Star shooter Wu Qian made six baskets beyond the arc to top the game with 21 points. Point guard Cheng Shuaipeng added 19.

Beijing shot 28 times from the free throw line, but only converted 15 of them.

"We started the game in a proper way, playing good defense," said Beijing head coach Yannis Christopoulos. "However, we missed seven free throws in the first half, and Zhejiang found their rhythm in the second half."

"I don't often praise my players but today they did an excellent job," said Zhejiang head coach Liu Weiwei. "They keep focused in 48 minutes, and I think today's game will help them a lot in their career."

Playing without star guard Guo Ailun, Liaoning cruised past the Shandong Heroes 98-87. Liaoning forward Fu Hao had 21 points. Center Han Dejun contributed 16 points and 15 rebounds.

Sharp shooter Chen Linjian buried seven three-pointers to carry the Fujian Sturgeons over the Jiangsu Dragons 97-88. The two teams tied on 67-67 after three quarters, before Fujian dashed out through straight jump shots to grab the victory.

In other games on Tuesday, the Shenzhen Aviators overwhelmed the Tianjin Pioneers 122-94, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers defeated the Ningbo Rockets 109-79, and the Guangzhou Loong Lions edged Shanxi Loongs 99-97.

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