JINJIANG, China, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Wang Zhelin scored 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Fujian Sturgeons edged the visiting Sichuan Blue Whale 110-99 in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) here on Thursday.
Fujian kept hot hands throughout the game, with the league's reigning MVP Wang made 10 out of 14 attempts. Pooh Jeter contributed 22 points and nine assists, while Chen Linjian added 20 points.
The visitors had a relatively low 40 percent shooting percentage, with four players scoring 10-plus points including 21 points from Courtney Fortson and Tyler Hansbrough respectively.
"My players fought hard. It was difficult to play against Sichuan. I am happy that we won the game," said Fujian's head coach Aleksandar Kesar.
The home side stormed to an early lead in the first quarter 38-28 after Chen Linjian hit three 3-pointers for 13 points, and extended the lead 70-56 into the half break.
In the third quarter, Sichuan geared up to cut the deficit 89-84, but the host boosted a 6-0 spurt at clutch time to seal the victory 110-99.
"We gave them too many open shots in the first half. My team tried hard to cut the deficit, I am satisfied with the young players' attitude," said Sichuan's head coach Zhou Jinli.
