Terrific 12: Liaoning beats Niigata, eliminates TNT in the process

MACAU—Liaoning will take its show to the semifinals after defeating Niigata, 110-82, in the group stage of the East Asia Super League: The Terrific 12 Wednesday at Tap Seac Sports Pavilion here.

The Flying Leopards topped Group D with a 2-0 record to advance semis, eliminating TNT from the tournament.

The KaTropa lost to Liaoning, 96-91, Tuesday in their opening match

Liaoning trailed 30-20 with more than a minute remaining in the first quarter, but immediately turned things around with a big 30-22 second quarter for a 57-52 lead

The Flying Leopards upped the ante, going on 18-6 run, punctuated by a bucket from Salah Mejri, for a commanding 75-58 lead with 4:53 left in the third.

Salah Mejri and Minchen Chong led Liaoning’s offense with 26 points apiece while Lance Stephenson had 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

Nick Perkins had 28 points and six boards for Niigata.