It was a rollercoaster night in Guangzhou as the Loong Lions faced off against the Beikong Royal Fighters. Despite veteran guard Guo Ailun lighting up the court with a season-high 40 points, the Loong Lions couldn't break their losing spell, falling 116-113. 😢🏀
Guo Ailun was on fire 🔥, shooting 13-for-25 from the field, including 3-for-9 from beyond the arc, and hitting 11-of-13 free throws. It was his first 40-point game since April 7, 2022—a whopping 1,017 days ago! Talk about turning back the clock!
The game started off neck and neck. Guangzhou jumped to an early 11-6 lead, but Beikong quickly answered with an 8-2 run. The first quarter ended with Beikong up by one, thanks to Grant Riller's buzzer-beater.
Beikong took control in the second quarter, unleashing a 15-6 run to stretch their lead to double digits at 43-33. But Guo wasn't about to let them run away with it! He poured in eight straight points, and with Liu Yancheng hitting back-to-back threes, the Loong Lions tied it up at 49-49.
Just before halftime, Jared Sullinger and Zhu Songwei powered through the paint, pushing Beikong ahead 68-59. The third quarter saw Guo's magic continue as he dropped 14 points and nailed two triples, cutting the deficit to just three points at 94-91.
In the final quarter, the Loong Lions surged ahead! Guo showed off his playmaking skills, setting up teammates Li Xiangbo and Tahjere McCall for easy layups. With under five minutes to go, Guangzhou led 111-104. But Beikong wasn't done yet!
Zhang Fan and Zhu sparked a 10-0 run for the Royal Fighters, flipping the game on its head and taking the lead back at 114-111. Guo's clutch free throws brought Guangzhou within one, but time wasn't on their side.
With three seconds left, trailing 116-113, McCall launched a desperate three-pointer… but it just wouldn't fall. The buzzer sounded, sealing Beikong's fourth straight win and extending Guangzhou's skid to six games.
It was a heartbreaker for the Loong Lions and their fans. Despite Guo Ailun's heroics, the team couldn't quite get over the hump. Here's hoping they can turn things around in the next game! 🤞
Reference(s):
Guangzhou lose to Beikong despite Guo Ailun's season-high 40 points
cgtn.com
