The Guangdong Southern Tigers mounted an impressive comeback to defeat the Guangzhou Loong Lions 85-77 on Thursday in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province. Overcoming a daunting 19-point deficit, the Southern Tigers extended their winning streak in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) to seven games.
The game began with both teams struggling offensively, but the Southern Tigers found themselves particularly out of sync. They managed only 29 points in the first half—18 in the first quarter and a mere 11 in the second. Their shooting woes were evident as they missed 11 of their 14 three-point attempts in the first quarter. Starters Xu Jie, Huang Rongqi, and Du Runwang were held scoreless during this stretch, highlighting the team’s early struggles.
Meanwhile, the Loong Lions capitalized on the Southern Tigers’ misfires. Tahjere McCall and Davion Warren led the charge, relentlessly attacking the paint and contributing to a 12-0 run during a five-minute scoring drought by the visitors. By halftime, the Loong Lions had established a commanding 48-29 lead.
The tide turned dramatically in the third quarter. The Loong Lions’ offense faltered as they committed numerous turnovers and missed shots. Seizing the opportunity, the Southern Tigers ignited a 22-2 run and outscored their opponents 33-11 in the quarter. Xu Jie, Zhang Haojia, and Troy Gillenwater combined for an impressive 43 points, propelling their team to a 62-59 lead heading into the final period.
As the fourth quarter commenced, Yuan Zhaoyao hit back-to-back three-pointers for the Loong Lions, narrowing the gap. However, with limited support beyond McCall—whose aggressive play led to Zhang Haojia fouling out—the Loong Lions struggled to maintain their momentum.
With just two minutes remaining, the Loong Lions held a slender 77-76 lead. Yet, they could not find the basket again. McCall was thwarted twice by blocks, and Li Xiangbo’s two turnovers proved costly. Seizing the moment, Xu Jie sank a crucial three-pointer to put the Southern Tigers ahead 79-77. He then assisted Gillenwater for a decisive jumper, extending the lead. Gillenwater and Huang Rongqi each added two free throws in the closing moments, sealing the Loong Lions’ third consecutive loss.
The Southern Tigers’ remarkable turnaround underscores their resilience and solidifies their position as a formidable force in the CBA this season.
Reference(s):
Southern Tigers rally to beat Loong Lions for seventh straight win
cgtn.com
