Guangsha Lions defeat Shanghai Sharks for team record 35th win in CBA

The Guangsha Lions beat the Shanghai Sharks 114-101 at home in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Monday, to secure their team record 35th win of the season in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

Barry Brown shot 17-for-29 from the field to score a game-high 49 points for Guangsha, outshining everyone on both sides, including Kenneth Lofton, who contributed 33 points, 23 rebounds, and nine assists for visiting Shanghai.

The score was knotted at 23-23 in the first quarter before James Nunnally knocked down a triple, assisted by Zhu Junlong, to put the hosts on top by three points. Nunnally and Brown contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the opening period, during which the home side lead 34-26.

Lofton repeatedly drove into Guangsha's paint in the second quarter, and his work freed up Li Tianrong to sink several open triples. Lofton finished the first half with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Li added 16 points. But Brown added 14 more points in the period, extending the home team's advantage to 66-56.

Yan Pengfei drilled three straight shots for Shanghai to open the third quarter. Lofton, D.J. Wilson, and Liu Lijia heated up from the outside as well. The Sharks cut the deficit to four points, at 88-84, but Zhu set up Nathan Knight for a triple, extending the Lions' lead back to seven.

A 9-4 run helped Shanghai close the gap to two points, at 95-93, in the fourth quarter. But Lofton committed his fifth personal foul after hacking Brown and was reduced to a practical non-entity on defense. Brown and Hu combined to score Guangsha's final 15 points to seal the deal, extending their winning streak to four games.

Other results (winners listed first):

Beijing Ducks 113-101 Tianjin Pioneers

Fujian Sturgeons 120-112 Shanxi Loongs

Liaoning Flying Leopards 136-99 Jilin Northeast Tigers

Qingdao Eagles 122-99 Ningbo Rockets

Shandong Kylins 106-98 Jiangsu Dragons

Shenzhen Leopards 114-95 Beikong Royal Fighters