Franklin pockets 44 points as Sichuan beaten by Guangdong

Guangdong, the powerhouse of the CBA league, remains undefeated in the new season, as it took on Sichuan 102-87 in the fourth quarter on Saturday.

Meng Da's three-point shot from the top of the key put Sichuan ahead 10-8.

And Jamaal Franklin's three points gave Sichuan a lead of seven at halftime.

But Guangdong battled back after the break, as Andrew Nicholson banged in back to back three-point shots.

Franklin helped the Blue Whales stay close with a pair of his game-high 44 points late in the third quarter.

But with the score tied at 107 in the final minute of the fourth quarter, Franklin's pass was stolen by Zhao Rui, who then found Andrew Nicholson out in front. The breakaway lay-up moved the Southern Tigers in front for the win, as the home team improved to 4-0 to begin their second season under coach Jonas Kazlauskas.

(CGTN)