Shanxi Loongs Fenjiu opened their Chinese Basketball Association campaign with a hard-fought 95-89 home victory over the Sichuan Jinqiang Blue Whales on November 1, 2026. In a game that remained tightly balanced through the first half, the Loongs created separation with a decisive third-quarter push and then held off Sichuan’s late comeback attempt in front of their home crowd.

Match overview

The contest was billed as an early-season test of depth and defensive discipline, and it lived up to that billing for long stretches. Shanxi Loongs Fenjiu shot out to a 24-21 lead after the first quarter, only for Sichuan Jinqiang Blue Whales to respond with a stronger second period. The visitors edged the quarter 25-22, sending the teams into halftime level at 46-46.

The turning point arrived after the break. Shanxi tightened its half-court defense, limited second-chance opportunities, and found better rhythm in transition. A 27-20 third-quarter advantage gave the home side a 73-66 cushion heading into the final ten minutes. Sichuan made one last push in the fourth, but Shanxi answered with timely baskets and free throws to close out the six-point win.

Key moments

• First half: Both teams traded momentum, with neither side able to build a double-digit lead. Shanxi’s early perimeter shooting was matched by Sichuan’s interior scoring.
• Third quarter: The Loongs produced the decisive run of the game, turning a tied score into a seven-point lead by the end of the period.
• Fourth quarter: Sichuan cut the deficit to one possession late, but Shanxi’s composure at the free-throw line and a key defensive stop sealed the result.

Tactical story

Shanxi Loongs Fenjiu won this game with balance rather than a single explosive scoring burst. The home side moved the ball well against Sichuan’s switching defense and generated quality looks from both the paint and the perimeter. Defensively, the Loongs were particularly effective in the third quarter, when they forced Sichuan into contested jump shots and kept the Blue Whales off the offensive glass.

Sichuan Jinqiang Blue Whales stayed competitive by attacking the rim and drawing fouls, but the visitors struggled to string together stops when the game tightened. Their half-court offense became more predictable in the closing minutes, and Shanxi’s guards did well to contest shots without fouling.

Standout performers and season impact

Shanxi’s frontcourt anchored the win with physical play on both ends, while the backcourt managed the tempo effectively down the stretch. For Sichuan, the performance showed enough fight to suggest the Blue Whales will be competitive in tight games, but the loss underlined the importance of executing better in the third quarter.

The 95-89 result gives Shanxi Loongs Fenjiu an early confidence boost in the CBA standings and a useful home win to build on. For Sichuan Jinqiang Blue Whales, the focus will be on turning competitive stretches into complete performances. The head-to-head result also adds an early-season reference point for both teams as the fixtures accumulate.