Changsha Secures Third Straight Win With Dominant Victory Over Shaoyang in ‘Xiang BA’

Changsha continued its commanding start to the 2026 Hunan City Basketball League (known locally as “Xiang BA”), defeating the Shaoyang team 90-71 on Friday night. Playing before a home crowd at the Helong Stadium, Changsha utilized a suffocating defense and a high-tempo transition game to secure its third consecutive victory of the season.

The win reinforces Changsha’s position as a powerhouse in the league, while Shaoyang continues to struggle, dropping its third straight game after entering the contest on a two-game losing streak.

Second Quarter Surge Breaks the Game Open

The contest began as a tightly contested affair. In the opening frame, both teams traded baskets in a balanced offensive display. With Changsha’s primary scoring threat, Cao Wenfeng, absent from the lineup, the burden of leadership fell to captain Lu Jianing and teammate Chang Haipeng. The duo combined for 15 points in the first quarter—8 for Lu and 7 for Chang—helping the home side retain pace. The first quarter ended in a 22-22 deadlock.

The momentum shifted decisively in the second quarter. Changsha ignited a 6-0 run fueled by aggressive defensive stops and rapid counter-attacks, forcing Shaoyang to call a timeout to stem the tide. However, the break provided little relief. Changsha continued to pressure the perimeter and exploit gaps in the Shaoyang defense, expanding the lead to 12 points before eventually pushing it to 19. By halftime, Changsha held a commanding 51-32 lead.

For global readers, the “Xiang BA” represents a significant regional push to professionalize city-level basketball in Hunan province, blending high-level competition with intense local civic pride.

Roster Rotations and Tactical Shifts

With the league operating on a “double-game week” schedule—featuring matches on both Friday and Sunday—Changsha head coach Li Bin opted for significant roster rotations to manage player fatigue. Half of the players in Friday’s active roster were making their first appearance of the season, including the highly anticipated debut of Xun Kuntao, popularly known as the “Liuyang Ball King.”

Despite the victory, Coach Li Bin remained focused on the team’s areas for improvement. While praising his players’ energy and tenacity, Li noted that the team’s chemistry still requires refinement. “The players performed well, but the coordination needs more polishing,” Li said, adding that the team would implement targeted training to address specific issues discovered during the game.

Li as well offered high praise for the opposition, noting that Shaoyang actually outperformed Changsha in rebounds. He described Shaoyang’s fighting spirit as a quality that the Changsha squad should emulate as they move deeper into the tournament.

Cross-Sport Synergy: ‘Xiang Chao’ Meets ‘Xiang BA’

The evening featured a unique display of athletic versatility during the halftime interval. Five members of the “Xiang Chao” (Hunan’s city football league) Changsha team—Zhou Chenwei, Li Zhangyu, Tan Xiang, Huang Yi and Deng Zihao—joined “Xiang BA” players Cao Wenfeng and Lu Xiling on the court for a series of shooting challenges.

The interaction provided a lighthearted break for the fans, with Li Zhangyu demonstrating impressive basketball skills by sinking two consecutive free throws. In a more unconventional attempt, Huang Yi managed to kick the basketball into the hoop, while Tan Xiang’s attempt to head the ball into the basket narrowly missed.

Key Game Statistics

What’s Next

The 2026 Hunan City Basketball League continues its rapid pace this weekend. Changsha will look to extend its winning streak further as it prepares for the fourth round of competition, scheduled for Sunday.

For the latest updates on the “Xiang BA” standings and results, follow the official league reports via New Hunan Client or Changsha Evening News.

Do you think Changsha’s depth will be the deciding factor in this year’s championship? Let us know in the comments.