Jonathan Gibson (C) of Beijing Ducks goes for a lay-up during the 18th round match between Guangdong Southern Tigers and Beijing Ducks at the 2020-2021 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Zhuji, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 14, 2020. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

ZHUJI, China, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- The defending champions of the Chinese Basketball Association league (CBA) Guangdong Southern Tigers beat their old rivals Beijing Ducks 118-101 in the regular season here on Monday.

Zhejiang Lions, which have many local rising stars such as Hu Jinqiu and Sun Minghui in their squad, defeated Fujian Sturgeons 125-100.

Guangdong dominated from the beginning of the match, finishing the first half with 56-45.

Although Beijing managed to see a 32-32 draw with Guangdong in the third quarter, the three times CBA winners couldn't turn the tables in the fourth quarter.

As the title favorites, Guangdong had snatched four wins in a row, while Beijing had suffered three defeats consecutively.

With a 10-0 pointing dash in the midway of the second quarter, Fujian made their rivals trail 67-58 before the half break.

But Zhejiang Lions responded with a strong comeback in the third quarter through efforts from Miroslav Radulica and Li Jinglong. Radulica narrowed the scoreline to one digit, and Li helped Zhejiang turn the game around with his consecutive 3-pointers.

At the same time, Fujian's offense suffered several setbacks, seeing Lions own a 12-point-advantage with 12 minutes remaining on the clock.

Lions built a stable defense system, stopping their rivals from keeping chasing in the final quarter. Sun Minghui had some fantastic solo shows before the final, making the game beyond Fujian's reach.

Sun pocketed 21 points, plus 16 assists in the clash, while his mate Hu got a game-high 33 points and 16 rebounds. For the Fujian side, Wang Zhelin finished the game with 27 points and 14 rebounds.

In the other three games played on Monday, Nanjing Monkey Kings lost to the bellwether Liaoning Flying Leopards 111-105, Sichuan Blue Whale edged Shanxi Loongs 92-87, Shanghai Sharks beat Shenzhen Aviators 117-108. Enditem