The Zhejiang Golden Bulls pulled off a stunning upset by defeating the Shanghai Sharks 99-97 on the road in east China's Shanghai Municipality, ending the Sharks' 14-game home winning streak in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
After a tied first quarter at 10-10, the Bulls surged ahead with a 9-2 run. Shanghai quickly countered with a dominant display by Kenneth Lofton Jr., who contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists in the opening period. By the end of the quarter, Zhejiang led 30-25.
The second quarter saw Gabe York and Liu Zeyi keeping the Bulls in control, combining for 26 first-half points. Shanghai managed to narrow the gap to just three points at halftime, fueled by a crucial layup set up by Li Hongquan for Lofton.
The third quarter turned dynamic as Zhejiang heated up from beyond the arc. Cheng Shuaipeng, Wu Qian, and York drained several three-pointers, extending their lead to 15 points in under four minutes, reaching 67-52. However, momentum shifted when Wu Qian was ejected after his second technical foul, allowing Lofton to further tighten his 40-point performance, although the Bulls maintained an 83-75 advantage.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter. The Sharks tied the game at 85-85 following a 10-2 run, and with persistent charges into the paint from Wang Zhelin and Lofton, the tension mounted. Contributions from Cheng, York, and Damian Jones kept Zhejiang in striking range. With just 33 seconds remaining, Cheng's layup put the Bulls ahead 97-95. Despite a late surge by Shanghai, a missed shot at the buzzer sealed their fate, handing them a painful loss as they vied for better postseason positioning.
Other notable games that night included wins by the Beijing Ducks, Fujian Sturgeons, Guangdong Southern Tigers, Guangzhou Loong Lions, and Xinjiang Flying Tigers.
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Zhejiang Golden Bulls end Shanghai Sharks' 14-game home winning streak
cgtn.com
