Guangdong edges Shenzhen in CBA

ZHUJI, Zhejiang province, China - Powerhouse Guangdong Southeast Tigers celebrated its first win in the 2020-21 Chinese Basketball Association league (CBA) by narrowly defeating Shenzhen Aviators 134-126 here on Tuesday.

Guangdong lost to Zhejiang 138-113 on the opening day of the season. Thus the title-favorites expected to defeat old rivals Shenzhen, in order to get the squad back on the track in defending the title.

Shenzhen held a 31-30 lead heading into the second quarter, and widened the advantage to double digits when the first half ended thanks to the team's front-court duo of Shen Zijie and Gu Quan.

Zhao Rui of Guangdong contributed two three-pointers in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to nine points. Hu Mingxuan then scored six points consecutively to help the defending champion retake the lead at 97-95 at the end of the third quarter.

After Gu Quan fouled out in the fourth quarter, Guangdong started to dominate the game. With a 14-4 run, Guangdong took charge of the game.

Ren Junfei scored a team-high 28 points, adding nine rebounds. Zhe Rui contributed 25 points and five assists for Guangdong. Zhou Peng added 18 points and eight rebounds.

For Shenzhen, Shen Zijie led both sides with 35 points.