The Shanghai Sharks soared to their ninth consecutive victory with a commanding 114-92 win over the Fujian Sturgeons on Wednesday in Shanghai. Star player Kenneth Lofton Jr. delivered a stellar performance, posting a double-double with 28 points and 16 rebounds.
Despite facing the league’s bottom team, the Sharks encountered resistance early on. Fujian’s Zou Yang and Rashawn Thomas helped the Sturgeons edge ahead 24-23 by the end of the first quarter. Both teams struggled offensively in the second quarter, but Shanghai managed to secure a 42-38 lead at halftime.
The game took a decisive turn in the third quarter. Lofton Jr. and teammate Li Tianrong ignited Shanghai’s offense, combining for 16 points. The Sharks outscored the Sturgeons 40-25 in the quarter, building a substantial 82-63 lead.
In the final quarter, Fujian’s Joseph Young attempted to rally his team, but Lofton Jr. continued his dominance, adding 10 points in just four minutes. His performance effectively sealed the game, turning it into an early rout.
The victory reinforces Shanghai’s strong form in the second stage of the 2024-25 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season, extending their impressive winning streak to nine games.
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Kenneth Lofton Jr. extends Shanghai Sharks winning streak to 9 games
cgtn.com