The Guangsha Lions continue their impressive run in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) by securing a commanding 115-99 victory over the Sichuan Blue Whales in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, on Saturday. This win marks the Lions' ninth consecutive triumph, solidifying their position atop the CBA standings.
Guangsha guard Sun Minghui delivered a standout performance, shooting 6-for-13 from the field, scoring 16 points, and dishing out a game-high 18 assists. Sun's exceptional play has propelled him to sixth place on the CBA's all-time assists list, with 2,480 assists translating into points for his teammates.
The Lions established a strong lead early, going up 26-16 in the first quarter. While Sichuan's Edmond Sumner was the primary scoring threat in the opening half, contributing 14 points, Guangsha's Barry Brown responded with 11 points, helping the home team maintain a 59-47 advantage at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Blue Whales ramped up their offense, scoring 31 points, with Marin Maric and Wang Xinkai providing additional support for Sumner. However, Guangsha's defense held firm, allowing only one point more than the Blue Whales in the period.
With Sumner resting in the fourth quarter, Sichuan struggled offensively. Guangsha introduced younger players to gain valuable game experience while maintaining their substantial lead. A decisive 13-5 run by Barry Brown and his teammates sealed the game, concluding the match with a comfortable victory.
Guangsha remains the last undefeated team at home in the CBA, boasting a flawless 17-0 record in Hangzhou this season. In other CBA action, the Guangdong Southern Tigers defeated the Fujian Sturgeons 116-92 on the road, marking their eighth straight win, while the Xinjiang Flying Tigers triumphed over the Guangzhou Loong Lions with a score of 116-97 at home.
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Guangsha Lions cruise past Sichuan Blue Whales for ninth straight win
cgtn.com
