On December 22, Aoshen defeated the host team Hunters 80-83 in a ten-round match at the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league though the latter surged powerfully with 28 points to meet Vanguard's 17 in the fourth quarter. Guangdong Hongyuan lost to Bayi 84:117 in another match.

Yan Zhinan scored 31 points and Le Wan added 27 points and 19 rebounds to help Aoshen winning the tense game, which forced Liaoning to join other three host upsets.

With a slow start, Liaoning trailed Aoshen all the way with a half time result 34-47 before it strengthened its defense line through the second half and tied in 74 at the last quarter.

However, under the loud cheers of local fans, the hosts were forced to make turnovers and missed several rebounds to lost the game.

"We lost the second quarter and lost the whole game. We also squandered golden opportunities during the last minutes," said Wu Qinglong, head coach of Hunters.

"We are weaker comparing with the squad last year," he admitted.

In other matches, Guangdong Tigers lost to the defending champion Bayi rockets 84-117, Nanjing Army was defeated by Shandong Flaming Bulls 97-125, Hubei Meierya continued their winless run to Shanghai Sharks 71-102.

The two home victories came to Beijing Ducks and Jilin Northeast Tigers as Ducks celebrated their sixth home win in a roll to beat Jiangsu Dragons 97-76 and Tigers edged Zhejiang Cyclone 97-95.