The Shanghai Sharks secured a commanding 115-93 victory over the Xinjiang Flying Tigers at home in Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) action on Thursday night.
The absence of Xinjiang's key forward Qi Lin, due to a fever, proved to be a significant setback for the team. Losing crucial firepower, Xinjiang found themselves trailing early in the game as Shanghai initiated a 13-0 run.
From that point onward, Shanghai maintained control of the game. In the second quarter, Shanghai's Li Hongquan and Liu Zhengqing consecutively sank three-pointers from the baseline, leaving Xinjiang struggling on the offensive end. By halftime, Shanghai had established a 13-point lead.
In the second half, Xinjiang's offense continued to lack coherence, repeatedly falling victim to Shanghai's steals converted into fast breaks. Following a fast-break dunk by Dwayne Bacon, the point difference widened to 21 points, leaving little doubt about the outcome of the game. Bacon emerged as the top scorer of the game, tallying 27 points.
Elsewhere on Thursday, the Liaoning Flying Leopards smashed the Sichuan Blue Whales 101-82, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls won over the Ningbo Rockets 116-100, the Shandong Heroes overcame the Fujian Sturgeons 115-98, the Shenzhen Leopards beat the Jiangsu Dragons 89-77, and the Qingdao Eagles won over the Beijing Royal Fighters 120-113.
'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes
Chinese scientific expedition team returns safely to Mount Qomolangma base camp
HK vibrant with celebratory atmosphere ahead of 25th anniversary of return to motherland
Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
Xi holds talks with Surinamese president
Blueberries enter harvest season in China's Guizhou
Messi in and Dybala out in Argentina squad for pre
Farmers busy with agricultural activities on Cold Dew across China
Red Lobster seeks bankruptcy protection after closing some restaurants
Xi Meets Former Philippine President