Zhejiang Lions smashes Fujian to end 6-game losing streak in CBA

Trae Golden (L) of Fujian Sturgeons vies with Miroslav Radulica (C) of Zhejiang Lions during the 25th round match of the 2020-2021 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Zhuji, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 30, 2020. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

Zhejiang Lions finally got back to winning ways after losing their past six games with a commanding victory over bottom side Fujian Sturgeons.

ZHUJI, China, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Three players notched over 20 points as the Zhejiang Lions snapped their six-game losing streak with a 130-102 victory over the Fujian Sturgeons in the 2020-21 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) here on Wednesday.

Hu Jinqiu contributed 27 points and nine rebounds to Zhejiang's overwhelming victory. Zhao Yanhao notched 26 points and Feng Xin added 21 points and 10 assists.

For Fujian, Andrew Nicholson bagged 25 points and nine rebounds, while Golden notched 24 and seven assists.

Zhejiang took a 34-26 lead in the first quarter thanks to Huang Yichao's jump throws and Miroslav Radulica's dunk.

Miroslav Radulica (C) of Zhejiang Lions dunks during the 25th round match against Fujian Sturgeons at the 2020-2021 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Zhuji, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 30, 2020. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

Forward Yu Changchun's 3-pointer kick-started an inspiring opening for Fujian in the second quarter, only to see Zhejiang expand the lead to 68-55 after an 11-3 surge capped by Feng's jump shot before the halftime break.

The gap was enlarged to 29 points upon Hu's hook shot in the fourth quarter, leaving Fujian with no chance to complete a comeback.

"We had problems with their inside because of injuries. We hope that after we see the recovery of our injured players, we could be there," commented Fujian's head coach Nenad Vucinic.

"All players kept in mind that no one can secure the victory with his own effort. They played good team basketball and were fully devoted through the game," said Zhejiang coach Wang Bo.

Zhejiang's Sun Chunpeng had sympathy for his team, "the team is going through a difficult time due to the injuries of some players, but at the same time, less experienced players are having more opportunities to play and practice. We will do our best for the team." ■