The Guangzhou Loong Lions faced a challenging start to their Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season, falling 109-80 to the Qingdao Eagles in an away game. The match, which was the last of ten season-opening games, saw Guangzhou struggle without star guard Guo Ailun, who was absent from the lineup.
Guo's absence left a significant gap in the Loong Lions' offense, with only three players reaching double-digit scores. Davion Warren led the effort for Guangzhou, contributing 22 points, but the team lacked the depth and support needed to counter Qingdao's aggressive play.
The Eagles seized control early, establishing a double-digit lead in the first quarter that they maintained throughout the game. Qingdao showcased a cohesive team performance, emphasizing fluid ball movement and strong teamwork. Five players scored in double figures, with Wang Ruizhe leading the charge with an impressive 26 points.
Capitalizing on their dominance in the paint through Yang Hansen and effective perimeter shooting, the Eagles drained 13 three-pointers. This offensive versatility proved too much for Guangzhou's defense to handle, highlighting the Loong Lions' struggles on both ends of the court.
As Qingdao celebrated a convincing victory, Guangzhou will need to regroup and address the challenges exposed in their season opener. The return of Guo Ailun could be pivotal for the Loong Lions as they aim to bounce back in their upcoming games.
Reference(s):
Guangzhou stumble in CBA season opener with huge loss to Qingdao
cgtn.com
