Guangsha Lions defeat Zhejiang Golden Bulls to stay on top in CBA

The Guangsha Lions beat the Zhejiang Golden Bulls 68-58 in a relatively low-scoring rivalry game at home in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Saturday, continuing to lead the CBA standings with a 19-3 record.

Rayjon Tucker contributed a game-high 18 points for Guangsha, while Hu Jinqiu (15) and JaKarr Sampson (13) also finished in double digits. Zhejiang's top scorer, by contrast, was Gabe York with just 11.

The defending champions had started slowly in several contests this season, and that pattern continued in the latest "Battle of Hangzhou" against the Golden Bulls, who led 18-12 in the first quarter.

The Lions rallied in the second period behind tighter defense, however, limiting their local opponents to just six points while pouring in 23 to head into halftime holding a 35-24 advantage.

Guangsha continued to extend its lead in the third quarter, despite Zhejiang sinking a trio of three-pointers in a bid to close the gap. None of the visiting players had yet reached double-digit points and their squad trailed 54-39 going into the final period.

The Golden Bulls started driving to the rim more often in the fourth quarter, but were never efficient enough on the offensive end cut the deficit to single figures. The loss ended their three-game winning streak, while the Lions clinched a third consecutive win.

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

Jilin Northeast Tigers 74-105 Shanxi Loongs

Liaoning Flying Leopards 105-91 Tianjin Pioneers

Shandong Kylins 83-80 Guangzhou Loong Lions