Beijing, Guangdong extend winning streak

Stephon Marbury in action during a CBA game between Beijing and Qingdao at Shougang stadium on Dec.18, 2011.

League leaders Beijing Ducks and defending champions Guangdong Hongyuan maintained their winning run in the 13th round of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league on Sunday.

Playing at home after four consecutive away games, Beijing defeated Qingdao Double Star 105-97 to improve to a perfect 12-0 record. Beijing is the only unbeaten side in the 17-team CBA since the new season kicked off a month ago.

Beijing guard Stephon Marbury, supported by his wife and two children in the Shougang stadium, harvested 28 points and dished out game-high 7 assists. Center Randolph Morris added 30 points. Local rising star Zhai Xiaochuan had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Qingdao turned out to be the more hot-handed?side by establishing an 8-2 lead at the very beginning of the game. Beijing shooters got in?form quickly afterwards, delivering a 15-7 run to grab the advantage.

Neither team could have a complete control on court until Beijing made a 13-2?run to end the first half 54-44.

Beijing kept widening the gap in the third, and after Mabury knocked down a free throw, the home team led as many as 20 points.

But Qingdao refused to surrender, trimming the gap to seven points in the fourth quarter. Beijing then managed to fend off the visitors' late charge and clinched the victory.

Lester Hudson, top scorer of CBA this season, paced Qingdao with 31 points. Olumide Oyedeji and Li Gen scored 22 and 14 points respectively.

Reigning champions Guangdong rejuvenated after a slow start to the season by winning their seventh straight game, a 128-104 win over Dongguan Marco Polo.

Guangdong guard Aaron Brooks had 27 points and 10 assists. James Singleton added 24 points and 10 rebounds. Local stars Wang Shipeng and Zhu Fangyu added 18 points respectively.

Dongguan's Joshua Akognon shot down game-high 34 points.

In Sunday's other games, Shanghai Sharks beat Bayi Fubang 94-85, Zhejiang Chouzhou beat Foshan Long Lions 103-96, Zhejiang Guangsha beat Shanxi Zhongyu 126-112, Liaoning Hengye beat Fujian SBS 108-94, Shandong Gold beat Jiangsu Dragons 99-91, Xinjiang Guanghui beat Jilin Northeast Tigers 94-89.