The Guangsha Lions overcame a daunting 17-point deficit to secure an 83-79 victory over the Beijing Ducks in a thrilling Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) regular season game on Wednesday in Hangzhou, eastern China’s Zhejiang Province. This win marks their fifth consecutive triumph in the league.
Making his much-anticipated debut, the Lions’ newly signed Serbian center Boban Marjanovic showcased his towering presence on the court. Standing at an imposing 2.22 meters with a wingspan of 2.39 meters, Marjanovic made an immediate impact, including a memorable dunk over Beijing’s Zhou Qi. Despite limited minutes as he adjusts to the team’s pace, he contributed four points, two rebounds, and a steal in seven minutes off the bench.
The game began with both teams struggling offensively, combining for just 25 points in the first nine minutes. The Ducks edged ahead, leading 22-17 at the end of the first quarter, thanks to three-pointers from Zhou Qi and Zhang Cairen.
In the second quarter, Beijing intensified their defense, successfully limiting Guangsha’s key players. Star point guard Sun Minghui was held to six points in the first half, while former CBA Most Valuable Player Hu Jinqiu scored only three. The Ducks extended their lead to 42-36 by halftime.
The third quarter saw Beijing maintain momentum, stretching their advantage to 64-47 after a jumper by Zhai Xiaochuan assisted by Fan Ziming. Just when the game seemed out of reach, the Lions ignited a 7-0 run, closing the gap and setting the stage for a dramatic final quarter.
Guangsha’s offense flourished in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Ducks 13-2 in the first four minutes to seize the lead at 67-66. As Beijing’s shots faltered, the Lions capitalized on their momentum. With the score tied at 77-77 and just a minute remaining, Zhu Junlong and Barry Brown stepped up, sinking six crucial free throws to give Guangsha an 83-77 lead. Beijing managed only a late jumper from Lei Meng as the Lions sealed their comeback victory.
“It was a team effort,” said Sun Minghui after the game. “We never gave up, and the support from our home crowd was incredible.”
The Guangsha Lions will look to extend their winning streak as they prepare for their next matchup, while the Beijing Ducks aim to bounce back from this tough loss.
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Guangsha come back to defeat Beijing in Boban Marjanovic's debut
cgtn.com
