Former CBA champions Sichuan suffer 9th straight loss

QINGDAO, China - The Sichuan Blue Whales, former champions of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), lost to the Beijing Ducks 84-73 here on Monday to record their ninth defeat in a row.

Leading by three points in the first quarter, Beijing extended the advantage to 10 points midway through the second quarter and to 16 points when the first half ran out.

Ekpe Udoh and Zhai Xiaochuan each contributed 14 points for Beijing in the first two periods, and Fang Shuo added two three-pointers.

Although Sichuan launched a 25-19 run in the third quarter, the Ducks maintained the lead until the end to reap their ninth straight victory. Former NBA player Jeremy Lin was rested for the game.

Zhai had a game-high 23 points and nine rebounds for Beijing, Udoh collected 20 points and 14 rebounds, Fang got 15 points.

Jing Hanyi scored a team-high 17 points for Sichuan, Yuan Zhenliang harvested 16 points and seven rebounds, and Hu Linsen took 14 points.

"Although we lost the game, the young players went all out. I am satisfied with their performances," said Zhou Jinli, head coach of Sichuan.

"Our defense was as strong as usual, but there were some offensive turnovers that shouldn't have happened," said Beijing acting coach Xie Libin.