Robert Golden of the Sichuan Blue Whales scored 42 points despite the painful loss to the Jiangsu Dragons 105-104, while the Ningbo Rockets clinched the second victory of the season after defeating the Shanghai Sharks 103-96 in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) League on Monday.
Jiangsu took a 10-point lead after the first three quarters, but Sichuan rallied past 104-101 in the final minute of the game. Jalen Riley's three-pointer and free throw helped Jiangsu secure the win.
Riley pocketed 21 points, and his teammate Cui Xiaolong contributed 25 points, seven assists and four steals.
Ningbo trounced Shanghai 33-17 in the fourth quarter to celebrate the sweet home win. Arslan of Ningbo had a game-high 28 points.
Also on Monday, the Qingdao Eagles claimed a victory over the Guangzhou Loong Lions 101-96. Myles Powell of Qingdao got 31 points and 10 rebounds. Guangzhou's Chen Yingjun once hit a 3-pointer to narrow the gap to just three points in the fourth quarter but his team still failed to take the lead.
"In the second half, the team lost some offensive rebounds and free throws. The turnover is also a major reason for the loss," Guangzhou Loong Lions head coach Guo Shiqiang said after the game.