Yi Jianlian attempts to dunk during the CBA semifinal match in Shenzhen, April 13, 2019. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING — Defending champion Guangdong Southeast Tigers defeated Sichuan Blue Whale 122-100 to extend its winning streak to 11 games in the Chinese Basketball Association league (CBA) at home on Thursday.

Tyler Hansbrough scored a game-high 37 points for Sichuan, but could not prevent his team from losing the fourth time to Guangdong

Star player Yi Jianlian only played three periods for the home side, pocketing 15 points and nine rebounds. Marshon Brooks added 29 points plus eight rebounds.

Tyler Hansbrough scored a game-high 37 points for Sichuan, but could not prevent his team from losing the fourth time to Guangdong in as many games of the season.

After the easy victory, Guangdong stays as the bellwether of the 20-team league.

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Also on Thursday, former CBA title holders, Shanghai Sharks suffered the sixth defeat in a row, losing to Shanxi Loongs 116-107 in a 28th round CBA game.

It was Shanghai, however, that took the upper hand from the beginning, but Shanxi managed to establish a seven-point advantage after the first quarter, thanks to a 7-0 run led by Jamaal Franklin.

The margin was enlarged to double digits in the second quarter before Shanxi took a 63-48 lead into the break.

With 2:52 remaining on the clock, Shanxi made four straight points from its rival's two turnovers and put the game beyond Shanghai's reach.

In the other games on Thursday, Liaoning Flying Leopards edged Nanjing Monkey Kings 110-101, Jiangsu Dragons lost to Zhejiang Lions 138-103, and Tianjin Pioneers was downed by Shandong Heroes 106-94.