Despite a stellar performance by veteran guard Guo Ailun, who scored a season-high 40 points, the Guangzhou Loong Lions fell to the Beikong Royal Fighters 116-113 at home in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, on Wednesday night. The defeat marks Guangzhou's sixth consecutive loss in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and underscores the team's struggles this season.
The game started off tightly contested, with Guangzhou jumping to an early 11-6 lead. Beikong quickly responded with an 8-2 run, and American guard Grant Riller's jumper in the final seconds of the first quarter put the visitors ahead 28-27.
In the second quarter, Riller continued to fuel Beikong's offense, leading a 15-6 surge that extended their lead to 43-33. Guo Ailun then stepped up for the Loong Lions, scoring eight consecutive points. Teammate Liu Yancheng added back-to-back three-pointers, tying the game at 49-49. However, Beikong's Jared Sullinger and Zhu Songwei answered back, driving into the paint repeatedly to close the half with a 68-59 lead for the Royal Fighters.
Guo continued his offensive onslaught in the third quarter, adding 14 points and connecting on two three-pointers. His efforts narrowed the gap, and Guangzhou trailed by just three points, 94-91, heading into the final quarter.
The Loong Lions carried their momentum into the fourth quarter. Guo showcased his playmaking abilities, setting up Li Xiangbo and Tahjere McCall for a series of layups that gave Guangzhou a 111-104 lead with less than five minutes remaining. However, Beikong's Zhang Fan and Zhu ignited a critical 10-0 run, reclaiming the lead at 114-111 for the Royal Fighters.
With time winding down, Guo earned two free throws and sank both, keeping Guangzhou within striking distance at 114-113. But Beikong held their nerve, and after Zhang converted his own pair of free throws, Guangzhou's McCall missed a potential game-tying three-pointer with three seconds left. The Royal Fighters secured their fourth consecutive victory, while the Loong Lions were left to reflect on a heartbreaking defeat despite Guo Ailun's remarkable performance.
The loss adds pressure on Guangzhou as they seek to break their losing streak. Meanwhile, Beikong's win strengthens their position and highlights their recent surge in form.
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Guangzhou lose to Beikong despite Guo Ailun's season-high 40 points
cgtn.com
