Shenzhen end Liaoning's 25-game winning streak

BEIJING - Chinese Basketball Association League (CBA) side Shenzhen Leopard beat Liaoning Flying Leopard 120-112 on Tuesday, ending the defending champions' team-record 25-game winning streak.

Guo Ailun got his 5,000th point in CBA at the beginning of the game, only to see his opponents have the upper hand during the first quarter. Chinese local guard Zhao Jiwei, absent since last summer, made his return from injury in the match.

It took Liaoning 15 minutes to see their first lead in the game. Shenzhen prepared good enough to bring the match to a back-and-forth one. The away team once enjoyed a double-digit advantage in the second quarter, but defending champions kept chasing and trailed by six points at half time.

In the third quarter, Liaoning made two 6-0 spurts and tied Shenzhen 79-79 with four minutes remaining. Lester Hudson led his team to break Shenzhen's defense tactics and then Liaoning's typical full-court trapping defense helped them lead 90-85.

He Xining of Shenzhen got seven points in a row in the last quarter, tipping the scales of battle in Shenzhen's favor. In the last minute, Shenzhen forced the hosts into two consecutive turnovers, both of which were turned into points for the visitors. At last, Shenzhen clinched the victory 120-112.

He Xining was the hero of the visiting team. The 22-year-old player earned 27 points, three rebounds and three assists to ruin Liaoning's CBA record-tying celebration for 26-game winning streak.

The league leaders Guangdong Southeast Tigers won over Sichuan Blue Whale 124-113, grabbing its 10th consecutive victory in CBA.

In the other games played on Tuesday, Bayi Rocket edged Shandong Golden Stars 96-94, Fujian Sturgeon smashed Shanxi Guotou Loongs 138-109, Beijing Ducks defeated Qingdao Eagles 102-90, Tianjin Gold Lion lost to Shanghai Sharks 135-120, Xinjiang Flying Tigers beat Zhejiang Guangsha Lions 127-111.