Shanxi Loongs Fenjiu held off the Xinjiang Flying Tigers 87-84 in a hard-fought Chinese Basketball Association matchup on November 3, 2026. In a game defined by defense, physical rebounding and limited easy baskets, Shanxi’s late execution made the difference in front of their home fans.

Match overview

Both teams opened with a cautious, half-court approach. Shanxi tried to establish an interior presence early, while Xinjiang relied on guard penetration and mid-range shooting to keep the scoreboard moving. Neither side managed to pull away, and the contest remained a possession-by-possession battle into the fourth quarter.

• Final score: Shanxi Loongs Fenjiu 87, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 84
• Quarter scores: Shanxi 22-20, 21-19, 20-24, 24-21
• Game shape: A low-scoring, defensive struggle decided in the final minutes

Key moments

The fourth quarter produced the night’s most important run. With Xinjiang briefly taking the lead, Shanxi responded through a pair of tough baskets in the paint and a defensive stop that led to free throws. The Flying Tigers had a chance to tie in the closing seconds, but Shanxi’s perimeter defense contested the final three-point attempt and secured the rebound to seal the win.

Tactical story

Shanxi’s game plan centered on controlling the glass and forcing Xinjiang into contested jump shots. The Loongs’ big men did well to protect the rim without fouling excessively, and their guards slowed Xinjiang’s transition attack. Xinjiang, meanwhile, found success when it moved the ball quickly and attacked closeouts, but those stretches were too brief. Shanxi’s ability to generate second-chance points and limit turnovers proved decisive in such a narrow game.

Standout performers

Shanxi’s frontcourt anchored the win with rebounding, interior scoring and timely defensive rotations. The home backcourt also managed the game well down the stretch, avoiding the rushed possessions that can swing tight CBA contests. For Xinjiang, the guard play was the brightest spot, creating offense when the half-court sets stalled. The Flying Tigers’ effort on defense kept them within striking distance, but they lacked one final scoring burst.

What it means

The victory strengthens Shanxi’s position in the early CBA standings and gives the team confidence in its ability to win low-scoring games. Xinjiang leaves with a narrow road loss but can take encouragement from the defensive intensity and resilience shown. In a league where road wins are precious, Shanxi’s home-court protection of this result could matter when the playoff picture begins to take shape.