Shanxi ends losing streak in last game of CBA regular season

QINGDAO, China -- The Shanxi Loongs defeated the Zhejiang Lions 107-100 in the last game of the 2019/20 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) regular season here on Monday, getting over a two-game losing streak.

After the regular season, Shanxi ranks 11th on the standings while Zhejiang sits at fifth place. Both teams had already qualified for the playoffs before the match.

The Loongs managed a six-point lead in a close contention when the first half expired, as they buried six 3-pointers compared with only one from the Lions.

Ren Junwei contributed 17 points and nine rebounds for Shanxi in the first half.

With different players getting on the scoreboard, Shanxi extended the lead to 14 points in the third quarter.

When Zhejiang narrowed the gap to one point with 1:16 remaining, Ren and Liu Guancen consecutively made three-point plays to seal Shanxi's victory.

Ren scored a game-high 32 points and 12 rebounds, while Ge Zhaobao notched 17, Liu had 16, and Tian Guisen added 10 points.

"We had a nice beginning, but our rebounds and defense were poor in the first half. We improved defense in the second half, and the transition also got better," said Shanxi coach Wang Fei.

Sun Minghui and Hu Jinqiu each bagged 25 points for Zhejiang, while Zhao Yanhao contributed 14 points, and Li Jinxiao collected 12 points.

"There were ups and downs in our performance, but the players tried their best," said Li Chunjiang, coach of Zhejiang.