Shanghai Sharks' 14-Game Home Winning Streak Ended by Zhejiang Golden Bulls
Zhejiang Golden Bulls put an end to the Shanghai Sharks' 14-game home winning streak.
TroibNews 
The Zhejiang Golden Bulls triumphed over the Shanghai Sharks with a score of 99-97 during a matchup in Shanghai Municipality on Wednesday, effectively ending the Sharks' impressive 14-game home winning streak in the Chinese Basketball Association.
The first quarter concluded with both teams tied at 10-10. Zhejiang then surged ahead with a 9-2 run that gave them a seven-point lead, but Shanghai quickly answered back with an 8-2 rally, driven largely by Kenneth Lofton Jr., who dominated in the paint with 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists in the opening quarter. By the end of the first period, Zhejiang managed to maintain a slim 30-25 lead.
In the second quarter, Gabe York and Liu Zeyi helped the Golden Bulls maintain the advantage, combining for 26 points in the first half. Both teams experienced difficulty from long range during this half. Just before intermission, Li Hongquan assisted Lofton with a layup, narrowing the Sharks' deficit to three points at 52-49.
As the third quarter commenced, Zhejiang found their rhythm from beyond the arc. Cheng Shuaipeng, Wu Qian, and York each hit three-pointers, extending their lead to 15 points at 67-52 within the first four minutes.
The momentum shifted when Wu received his second technical foul and was ejected from the game. Lofton, who finished the game with 40 points, dominated the scoring during the quarter. Despite his efforts, the Golden Bulls had balanced contributions from five players who scored in double digits, ending the third quarter ahead 83-75.
In the fourth quarter, the Sharks managed to tie the game at 85-85 following a 10-2 run just three minutes in. Wang Zhelin joined Lofton in aggressively attacking the paint, but Cheng, York, and Damian Jones kept the Golden Bulls competitive.
With 33 seconds remaining, Cheng's layup put Zhejiang ahead 97-95. Although both York and Wang Yibo converted only one of their two free throw attempts, Shanghai could only manage a single field goal from a layup by Liu Cheng. Donovan Williams' missed shot at the buzzer sealed a heartbreaking loss for the Sharks as they vie for better positioning ahead of the postseason.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
The first quarter concluded with both teams tied at 10-10. Zhejiang then surged ahead with a 9-2 run that gave them a seven-point lead, but Shanghai quickly answered back with an 8-2 rally, driven largely by Kenneth Lofton Jr., who dominated in the paint with 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists in the opening quarter. By the end of the first period, Zhejiang managed to maintain a slim 30-25 lead.
In the second quarter, Gabe York and Liu Zeyi helped the Golden Bulls maintain the advantage, combining for 26 points in the first half. Both teams experienced difficulty from long range during this half. Just before intermission, Li Hongquan assisted Lofton with a layup, narrowing the Sharks' deficit to three points at 52-49.
As the third quarter commenced, Zhejiang found their rhythm from beyond the arc. Cheng Shuaipeng, Wu Qian, and York each hit three-pointers, extending their lead to 15 points at 67-52 within the first four minutes.
The momentum shifted when Wu received his second technical foul and was ejected from the game. Lofton, who finished the game with 40 points, dominated the scoring during the quarter. Despite his efforts, the Golden Bulls had balanced contributions from five players who scored in double digits, ending the third quarter ahead 83-75.
In the fourth quarter, the Sharks managed to tie the game at 85-85 following a 10-2 run just three minutes in. Wang Zhelin joined Lofton in aggressively attacking the paint, but Cheng, York, and Damian Jones kept the Golden Bulls competitive.
With 33 seconds remaining, Cheng's layup put Zhejiang ahead 97-95. Although both York and Wang Yibo converted only one of their two free throw attempts, Shanghai could only manage a single field goal from a layup by Liu Cheng. Donovan Williams' missed shot at the buzzer sealed a heartbreaking loss for the Sharks as they vie for better positioning ahead of the postseason.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
