The CBA league delivered thrilling basketball action this round, with the Guangsha Lions delivering a stunning upset against the three-time defending champions, the Liaoning Flying Leopards. Guangsha secured a decisive 101-88 victory on the road, marking their fourth consecutive win and sending shockwaves through the league.
The clash between Guangsha and Liaoning was the standout matchup of the evening. The first half saw both teams locked in a tight battle, with Liaoning trailing by just four points at halftime. However, the tide turned dramatically in the third quarter. Liaoning struggled both offensively and defensively, scoring only 14 points, while Guangsha exploded for 36 points in the quarter alone. This offensive surge allowed Guangsha to outpace Liaoning by a remarkable 22 points. Although Liaoning made a slight comeback in the final quarter, it wasn’t enough to close the gap, resulting in a 13-point defeat.
In another exciting game, the Shanghai Sharks showcased their dominance by defeating the Tianjin Pioneers 132-108, extending their winning streak to an impressive 13 games. Despite early concerns as Tianjin’s star forward David James hit three three-pointers to build a double-digit lead, Shanghai’s top scorer Kenneth Lofton Jr. rose to the occasion. Lofton delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring a season-high 43 points and leading Shanghai to a thrilling comeback victory.
Other notable results from the round include the Guangdong Southern Tigers narrowly defeating the Shenzhen Leopards 91-84, the Shandong Kylins overcoming the Nanjing Monkey Kings 129-116 despite missing their core shooting guard Lin Wei, and the Beikong Royal Fighters cruising to a comfortable 109-92 win against the Jilin Northeast Tigers. These results continue to shape the competitive landscape of the CBA, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Reference(s):
CBA: Guangsha stun Liaoning, Shanghai rally for 13th straight win
cgtn.com
