The defending champs -- the Beijing Ducks struggled to get into the post-season dance and finished seventh in the standings, and would have their hands full against a Xinjiang Flying Tigers team that battled for spot for most of the season.

Things are tight in the opening, and former Duck Li Gen puts the visitors in front with the three. Zhang Qingpeng then answers that with a trey of his own. Beijing lead by one point after the first quater.

Stephon Marbury is looking aggressive and is able to hit from the outside. The American would have at the break. But Xinjiang would start to take control -- this long ball has the visitors in front by 11 points.

It would not be a good shooting night for the champs -- as Zhang Qingpeng misses this three as he tries to trim the margin. Five players from Xinjiang would finish in double figures including Andray Blatche hitting a game high 39 points, Xinjiang take game one 117-105. Liaoning Flying Leopards would visit the Zhejiang and things do not start well for the hosts as Zhang Dayu is injured going for a rebound.

Early on Willie Warren tries to carry the offensive load for Zhejiang getting the runner. At the end of the first q -- Cao Fei steals the ball and hits the buzzer-beater. Zhejiang up double digits.

Laioning would come back in the second quarter with a run. The visitors cut the gap to one point. Zhejiang take the advantage again as Warren finds Samad Nikkhah Bahrami and the hosts continue to lead.

But Liaoning would go on a 14-2 run in the fourth and go in front

The Flying Leopards hold on to seal 116-108 and extend their winning streak from the regular season to 18 games, and lead the series 1-nothing.

Also on Monday, Shandong Golden Stars returned to the playoffs after two seasons, but they lost to eight-time champs Guangdong in the opening game of their series. The Sichuan Blue Whales, who are in the playoffs for the first time, beat Guangsha on the road.