BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Defending champions Liaoning Flying Leopards comprehensively defeated Jiangsu Dragons 104-84 at home in the 17th round of the 2018-19 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season on Sunday.
Liaoning started well out of the blocks, embarking on an 11-0 run and establishing a 13-point advantage in a bad-tempered first quarter which saw Liaoning guard Guo Ailin and Shi Hongfei of Jiangsu coming to blows.
However, the scuffle didn't seem to affect Liaoning's play, and thanks to sterling work from Brandon Bass and Lester Hudson, the Flying Leopards set about establishing a handsome 20-point lead.
After strengthening their defense, Jiangsu narrowed the gap, but five points in a row from Hudson put a dampner on the Dragons' comeback in the third quarter.
With a handsome 85-60 lead going into the last quarter, Liaoning perhaps became a little complacent, allowing Donald Sloan to seize the opportunity and help Jiangsu cut the difference to just six points.
However, Liaoning soon pulled clear again to seal a conclusive 104-84 victory.
Elsewhere in the CBA, 55 points from Darius Adams helped Xinjiang Flying Tigers beat Fujian Sturgeons 122-115. Wang Zhelin contributed 36 points and 18 rebounds for Fujian, while Xinjiang's Li Gen lodged 15 points.
Beijing Ducks earned an 11th consecutive derby win over Beikong Fly Dragons, defeat their neighbors 100-94. Aaron Jackson contributed 30 points and 11 rebounds for the Ducks, though Beikong's Pierre Jackson scored a game-high 36 points despite being on the losing side.
In other matches on Sunday, Tongxi Monkey Kings beat Sichuan Blue Whales 88-83, Guangzhou Long-Lions defeated Shanxi Brave Dragons 111-99, and Shandong Golden Stars saw off Tianjin Gold Lions 113-105.
