QINGDAO, China, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Former Chinese national team center Han Dejun contributed 30 points and 20 rebounds to the Liaoning Flying Leopards on Friday as the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) title favorite thrashed the Fujian Sturgeons 121-101.
Liaoning had a tough start, leading by just one point (27-26) in the first period. Although Fujian held a five-point advantage midway through the second quarter, Guo Ailun and O.J. Mayo helped the CBA powerhouses to a 13-0 run, bringing Liaoning six points ahead at the end of the second half.
Liaoning had the stronger squad compared to their rivals. The 2017-18 season CBA winners showed better teamwork in the third quarter, putting the game beyond Fujian's reach with 12 minutes remaining on the clock.
Besides Han, Mayo had many sensational solo shows. The 32-year-old pocketed 44 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, keeping alive his team's hopes of entering the top four in the regular season after winning five games in a row.
After suffering two consecutive defeats, Fujian still needs to win one out of the remaining three games in order to secure a playoff position. Enditem
