Shandong snaps Beijing's winning streak, Shanghai ends losing streak

ZHUJI, China - Shandong Heroes' overpowering first half sent them to their fourth straight win over Beijing Royal Fighters 112-95 in the 10th round of the 2020-21 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season here on Sunday.

The victory also snapped Beijing's three-game winning streak.

The Heroes had a 31-21 in the opening minutes of the second quarter, enlarging the gap to as much as 23 points before the intermission. Outscoring their opponents from beyond the three-point arc 21-6, and leading 28-17 in rebounds in an overwhelming first half, Shandong also confined Beijing to 40 points.

Despite a game-high 29 points from Joseph Young and a close second half, Beijing wasn't able to pull off the comeback.

"We fought an excellent first half with good execution and defense, but we failed to enlarge the advantage during the rest of the time and made a few turnovers before the buzzer, which raised alarm bells for us," said Chen Peidong, Shandong's leader in points for the game, at the post-game news briefing.

Shanghai Sharks ended their four-game losing streak after a 117-93 win over Fujian Sturgeons. Shanghai led throughout the game with five players putting up double-digit scores. Zong Zan had a double-double with a team-high 26 points and 12 rebounds.

Shanghai got off to a quick start to lead the first period 35-22. Fujian's star shooter Chen Linjian made straight three-pointers to cut the deficit to 10 by the half-time whistle, but Zong Zan started to dominate the paint after the interval. Running without starting center Wang Zhelin, Fujian's hands were tied when Shanghai sealed the victory with a 24-point advantage.

In the day's other games, Qingdao Eagles trounced Xinjiang Flying Tigers 112-89, and Jilin Northeast Tigers beat Nanjing Monkey Kings 118-103.

Three games remain to be played in the 10th round and are slated for Monday, with Tianjin Pioneers facing Jiangsu Dragons, Shenzhen Aviators taking on Zhejiang Golden Bulls, and Liaoning Flying Leopards playing Guangzhou Loong Lions.