The Guangsha Lions solidified their position atop the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) standings with a commanding 115-99 victory over the Sichuan Blue Whales on Saturday in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province. This triumph extends their winning streak to nine games and maintains their unbeaten home record this season.
Guangsha guard Sun Minghui delivered a standout performance, scoring 16 points and dishing out a game-high 18 assists. His exceptional playmaking elevated him to sixth place on the CBA’s all-time assists list, with a career total of 2,480 assists.
The Lions established an early lead, closing the first quarter ahead 26-16. While Sichuan’s Edmond Sumner tried to keep the Blue Whales competitive with 14 points in the second quarter, Guangsha’s Barry Brown countered with 11 points, ensuring the home team stayed in control at halftime with a 59-47 advantage.
Despite efforts from Marin Maric and Wang Xinkai providing additional support for Sumner in the third quarter, the Blue Whales’ defense struggled to contain the Lions. Guangsha outscored Sichuan by one point in the period, heading into the final quarter with momentum.
In the fourth quarter, with Sumner resting on the bench, the Blue Whales’ offensive struggles resurfaced. Guangsha capitalized by giving their younger players valuable court time. Even as the Lions maintained a significant lead, Brown re-entered the game to help seal the victory with a closing 13-5 run.
The Lions are now the only CBA team undefeated at home, boasting a perfect 17-0 record in Hangzhou this season.
In other CBA action, the Guangdong Southern Tigers secured their eighth consecutive win by defeating the Fujian Sturgeons 116-92 on the road, while the Xinjiang Flying Tigers overwhelmed the Guangzhou Loong Lions 116-97 at home.
Reference(s):
Guangsha Lions cruise past Sichuan Blue Whales for ninth straight win
cgtn.com
