Unstoppable Shanghai defeats Beikong 108-96 for 10th consecutive win

The Shanghai Sharks defeated the Beikong Royal Fighters 108-96 at home on Friday, extending their winning streak to 10 games in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

The first quarter was close from the start, with both sides exchanging the lead multiple times. Beikong outperformed the home side better in transition in the final three minutes, before finishing the period with a four-point lead, 32-28.

Jared Sullinger and Chen Guohao continued to attack Shanghai in the paint in the second quarter, helping the Royal Fighters move in front 49-41.

But Kenneth Lofton Jr. started to show dominance on both ends, joined by Eric Bledsoe, with the two Americans combining to spark a 10-2 run. Beikong called a timeout after surrendering the lead, but couldn't stop the home team's surge.

Lofton did everything offensively, from scoring on isolation plays to setting up chances for his teammates, and the Sharks took a 64-61 lead into the halftime break.

The Royals Fighters cooled off considerably as the third quarter began, while Shanghai stayed on the front foot with patient offensive tactics, outscoring the visitors with a 28-14 run to sit on an 86-75 lead when the period ended.

Sullinger and Lofton continued to battle under the rim in the fourth quarter. The 32-year-old Sullinger's size and power made it difficult for Lofton to make shots in the paint, but the 22-year-old found other ways to score, including sinking jumpers and hustling down the court to convert fastbreak opportunities. His efforts helped the Sharks maintain a double-digit lead, as they cruised to a 12-point victory.