SHANGHAI, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Jared Cunningham played a critical role in the final quarter to help Shanghai Sharks beat Shenzhen Aviators 113-106, ending the team's six-game losing streak in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) here on Sunday.
The first quarter witnessed a seesaw battle as both teams scored smoothly. Luo Hanchen's failure in attempt to attack in the final minute let the visitor establish a 28-24 advantage.
In the eighth minute of the second quarter, Luo's 3-pointer trimmed the deficit to two points and Donatas Motiejunas made a decisive basket to tie the score 42-42. The score rose alternatively afterwards, making the first half end with 54-52.
After the interval, fans at Yuanshen Sports Center Stadium continued to see a closely-contested game. The turning point came in the final quarter as Shenzhen enlarged the gap after Shanghai lost critical rebounds. However, Cunningham's 3-pointer helped Shanghai overtake the visitors and later contributed constant free throws to seal the final victory for the hosts.
"Low outside shooting percentage caused our failure," said Shenzhen head coach Wang Jianjun.
Cunningham notched 34 points, one rebound and four assists. His teammate Motiejunas, who came back to the court after injury, added 21 points and 18 rebounds.
"We really need the win. We should continue the defense intensity. Everybody kept working hard today," noted Shanghai head coach Manos Manouselis.
