Defending champions Beijing Ducks suffered their 12^th loss of the tournament with a 100-97 close gap defeat to Zhejiang Guangsha Lions in the 33^rd round of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league on Sunday night.

Beijing was trailing by a shot at halftime, but managed to establish an eighth-point lead after three quarters of game action. However, Zhejiang Guangsha rallied and made a 26 to 15 run, to overtake the lead and wrap up the game with a close and exciting win.

Like Us on Facebook

With the victory, Zhejiang Guangsha Lions improved their record to 24 wins and 9 losses. They moved to the sixth place from their previous seventh ranking, sharing the spot with Guandong Southern Tigers who have the same 24-9 record.

Zhejiang Guangsha was 77.5 percent from the foul line converting 31 shots out of the 40 attempts given, while Beijing made 11 free throws only. The Lions also dominated the boards grabbing 37 offensive rebounds compare to the 26 of the Ducks.

American point guard Jeremy Pargo, a former Cleveland Cavaliers player, led all scorers with 32 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists. The former NBA player Stephon Marbury paced Beijing with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.

Meanwhile, the league leader  Xinjiang Flying Tigers continued to keep their hold on the top spot by beating Dongguan Leopards 97-81. Former NBA player Andray Blatche had a double-double performance of 21 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists.

In the other round-up of the round 33 of the CBA, Shandong Gold Star demolished Qingdao Eagles131-99, while Zhejiang Golden Bulls was outscored by the Liaoning Flying Leopards 106-131 and Jiangsu Dragons tamed Jilin Northeastern Tigers 104-83.

Sichuan Blue Whales routed Shanghai Sharks 112-90, while the Bayi Rockets yielded to Guangdong Southern Tigers 84-99 and Tianjin Ronggang crushed - Jiangsu Tong Xi Monkey Kings 120-93.

Fujian Sturgeons outlasted the North Control Beijing 122-112 and Foshan Long-Lions defeated the Shanxi Brave Dragons 118-127.

Tagscba, Jeremy Pargo, andray blatche, Stephon Marbury, NBA