BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Ducks claimed the fifth consecutive win after defeating the Guangzhou Loong Lions 101-82, while the Sichuan Blue Whales rallied past the Guangdong Southern Tigers 104-94 in the 2024-25 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league regular season round of 12, which concluded on Monday.
Guangzhou took a 12-point lead in the first quarter, but Beijing gradually strengthened their offense to overturn the momentum in the second half for the victory. After twelve rounds of the regular season, Beijing topped the standings with just one loss.
Zeng Fanbo contributed a game-high 23 points for Beijing. The Beijing Derby will be on show between the Ducks and the Royal Fighters on Friday, as the Royal Fighters just won over the Nanjing Monkey Kings 117-100.
Sichuan cruised past Guangdong with an overwhelming 41-15 run in the third quarter. Although Guangdong beat the home team 22-12 in the final quarter, Sichuan still took a 10-point victory in the end.
Edmond Sumner of Sichuan pocketed 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Guangdong's Xu Jie also scored a game-high 32 points.
"It was not a full roster of Guangdong with the absence of some key players like Hu Mingxuan and Du Runwang. Our young players performed well, but they need to learn how to keep the momentum after taking a big lead," said Sichuan head coach Han Shuo.
Facing the Ningbo Rockets, seven players of the Shanxi Loongs scored in double digits to clinch a 140-116 victory. Ningbo's Jordan Howard registered 30 points, seven assists, and three steals.
Elsewhere, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers extended their winning streak to seven games after edging the Zhejiang Golden Bulls 125-119, and the Liaoning Flying Leopards defeated the Shenzhen Leopards 100-93 to seize their fourth consecutive win.
In other games, the Tianjin Pioneers, the Zhejiang Lions, the Qingdao Eagles, and the Shandong Heroes all clinched victory at home.
The 13th round of the regular season will kick off on Tuesday. ■
