Guangzhou Loong Lions Survive Beijing Royal Fighters 91-90 in CBA Classic

Guangzhou Loong Lions edged the Beijing Royal Fighters 91-90 in a Chinese Basketball Association thriller on October 27, 2026, surviving a tense final possession after a fourth quarter full of momentum swings.

The one-point margin reflected a game that was never fully under control for either side. Guangzhou led early, Beijing responded in the middle quarters, and the final minutes turned into a sequence of clutch shots, defensive stops and free throws. In the end, one made free throw and one missed look were enough to separate the teams.

Match Overview

Guangzhou started brightly in front of their home crowd, pushing the tempo and attacking the rim early. The Royal Fighters settled into the game through their half-court offence, using ball movement to create open looks from the perimeter. The first quarter was tight, and the second quarter followed a similar pattern, with neither team able to establish a comfortable cushion.

Beijing briefly took control in the third quarter, using a run of defensive stops to edge ahead. Guangzhou stayed within reach thanks to offensive rebounding and a few timely baskets in transition. By the time the fourth quarter began, the game had the feel of a possession-by-possession battle.

Key Moments

The Royal Fighters led 90-87 with just over a minute remaining after a corner three, but Guangzhou answered immediately with a three from the top of the key to tie the game. A defensive stop gave the hosts the ball back, and they converted one of two free throws to take a 91-90 lead.

Beijing had one last chance to win it, but a contested mid-range jumper fell short as the buzzer sounded. Guangzhou secured the rebound and closed out a narrow but valuable home victory.

• Guangzhou tied the game with a late three-pointer.
• A single free throw proved to be the winning point.
• Beijing’s final shot was contested and missed.

Tactical Story

Guangzhou’s win was built on late-game poise and a willingness to attack the paint when the perimeter looks tightened. The Loong Lions generated second-chance opportunities and forced Beijing into several low-percentage shots in the final quarter. Their defensive pressure also disrupted Beijing’s rhythm during the most important possessions of the night.

The Royal Fighters were efficient for long stretches, particularly when their ball-handlers created open catch-and-shoot chances. However, a couple of untimely turnovers and missed free throws in the closing minutes left the door open. In a one-point game, those small details made the difference.

Standout Performers

Guangzhou’s backcourt delivered in the biggest moments, combining for crucial baskets and steady free-throw shooting down the stretch. Their interior players also made an impact on the glass, extending possessions when the game was on the line. For Beijing, the perimeter scorers kept the team in front for much of the fourth quarter, while the frontcourt battled hard on the boards. The Royal Fighters simply could not find one final clean look.

Season Impact

In the CBA standings, one-point wins can carry extra weight, especially early in the season when teams are still building rhythm and confidence. Guangzhou will view this as a character win, while Beijing will be frustrated by letting a late lead slip. The result also adds another tight chapter to the head-to-head record between two sides that often produce competitive games.