The Guangsha Lions defeated the Shandong Kylins 86-77 at home in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Thursday, clinching their second straight win and reaffirming their hold on first place in the CBA standings with a league-best record of 18-3.

Shandong headed into this contest on a four-game winning streak, which included beating Guangsha 93-87 on January 25. They raced out to a 10-2 lead in the opening three minutes of the first quarter, before leading 25-18 at the end of the period.

Rayjon Tucker and Josh Carlton stepped up in the second quarter, helping the Lions improve their firepower, on the way to generating 28 points. The reigning titleholders tightened their defense at the same time, limiting the Kylins to just 10 points. After a 17-2 run, the hosts surged in front 46-35 at halftime.

Marquese Chriss carried Shandong's offense in the second half, scoring a game-high 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Tucker countered with 26 points, however, keeping Guangsha in command en route to a nine-point win.

In another key game, the Ningbo Rockets stunned the Liaoning Flying Leopards 75-62, claiming their first victory against the four-time champions.

Liaoning shot 22-for-68 from the field and missed 25 of 30 three-pointers, as the Flying Leopards suffered their fifth loss in six games.

Thursday's other results (home teams listed first):

Guangzhou Loong Lions 85-92 Fujian Sturgeons

Jiangsu Dragons 88-68 Xinjiang Flying Tigers

Zhejiang Golden Bulls 87-70 Shanxi Loongs