Sullinger scores 23 points as Shenzhen Aviators beat Guangdong 98-95 in Chinese Basketball Association league

Jared Sullinger of Shenzhen Leopards goes for a lay up during the 37th round match between Liaoning Flying Leopards and Shenzhen Leopards at the 2022 -- 2023 season of the Chinese Basketball Association CBA league in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning province, March 19, 2023. PHOTO XINHUA BEIJING Jared Sullinger collected 23 points and 13 rebounds as the Shenzhen Aviators rallied against the Guangdong Southern Tigers 98 -- 95 in the Chinese Basketball Association CBA league on Friday.

Guangdong moved ahead to 33-21 after the tip-off and jumped to an 11- 2 lead after the tip-off. Guangdong extended their advantage to 20 points early in the second quarter, but Shenzhen showed tenacity and pulled within 46 -- 38 at halftime.

Shenzhen kept chasing in the third quarter as Shen Zijie's free throw earned her a 66 -- 65 lead with 40.9 seconds remaining in the period.

Shen suffered a waist injury in the fourth period, but returned five minutes later. Sullinger's layup and jumper on consecutive possessions gave Shenzhen an 89 84 lead with 2: 33 to play.

Sullinger converted five of eight free throws against Guangdong's fouls tactic. Guangdong forward Ren Junfei's potential game-tying shot beyond the arc rimmed out.

He Xining added 18 points for Shenzhen. On the Guangdong side, Zhao Rui and Justin Hamilton each scored 18.

Zhang Fan contributed 26 points and five assists as the Beijing Royal Fighters beat the Shandong Heroes 104 -- 89.

The Royal Fighters, who had failed to secure a playoff berth, snapped their three-game losing streak.

The Qingdao Eagles defeated the Jilin Northeast Tigers 102 -- 92 in the other game played on Friday.