Guangsha Lions' guard Sun Minghui in action during the match against the Guangzhou Loong Lions in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, December 19, 2024. /CFP
In the Chinese Basketball Association, the visiting Guangsha Lions secured a dominant 102-79 victory over the Guangzhou Loong Lions, climbing back to the top of the standings. Sun Minghui netting a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds in his first match after returning.
Sun found Josh Carlton, who spun to finish with a lay-up, and Guangsha led by seven in the first quarter. The 28-year-old star guard set up Carlton again for a dunk. The Lions went ahead by 12 in the second quarter. Barry Brown drilled a long triple, on the way to a game-high 24 points, and Guangsha extended its edge to 19. The Lions continued to dominate in the fourth quarter, as Sun dished to Carlton, who put Guangsha in front by 18. Wu Xiao stole the ball and found Carlton, who finished the game with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Guangsha held on to win by 23 points, and sit on the top of the table.
Elsewhere, Qingdao host Fujian, and thanks to the game-high 38 points, plus 15 rebounds from Jordan Mickey, the Eagles breezed to a 114-102 victory, while handing Fujian its 17th defeat.