The Shanghai Sharks made a stunning comeback on Friday night, crushing the Zhejiang Golden Bulls 124-94 in Shanghai and snapping their six-game losing streak. This marks their second win of the season and a significant morale booster for the team.
From the outset, the Sharks displayed tenacity. Although the Golden Bulls started strong with an 11-6 run in the first quarter, Shanghai’s Kenneth Lofton turned the tide, contributing eight points, two assists, and a block to help his team lead 28-25 by the end of the first quarter.
Lofton’s offensive dominance continued into the second quarter. His relentless attacks forced Zhejiang to focus extra defensive effort on him, opening up opportunities for Shanghai to grab offensive rebounds. The Sharks outscored the Golden Bulls 39-27 in the second quarter, heading into halftime with a commanding 67-52 lead.
In the second half, Shanghai extended their lead swiftly. Less than two minutes into the third quarter, they surged ahead by 20 points, 72-52. Lofton led a 15-0 run, pushing the score to 99-66 and putting the game out of reach for Zhejiang.
Despite efforts to rally in the final quarter, the Golden Bulls couldn’t overcome the massive deficit. The Sharks’ victory not only ended their losing streak but also showcased their potential for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, the Beijing Ducks secured their sixth consecutive win by defeating the Beijing Royal Fighters 99-92 on the road.
The first quarter saw a fierce battle between the big men. The Ducks’ Zhou Qi scored 11 points, grabbed two rebounds, and made two blocks, while the Royal Fighters’ Jared Sullinger tallied 12 points and eight rebounds. Zhou had stronger support from his teammates, giving the Ducks a 30-23 lead.
The Ducks extended their lead in the second quarter with a 10-2 run, thanks to efficient scoring from Zhou Qi and Zeng Fanbo. The Royal Fighters trailed 57-44 at halftime.
Despite a scoring drought in the fourth quarter that allowed the Royal Fighters to cut the deficit to two points at 83-81, the Ducks’ Chen Ying-Chun stepped up. He scored 10 points in the final minutes, restoring a double-digit lead and sealing the victory for the Ducks.
Both games highlight the dynamic nature of this season’s CBA league, with teams showing resilience and the capacity to bounce back.
Reference(s):
Shanghai Sharks upset Zhejiang Golden Bulls, end 6-game losing streak
cgtn.com
