ZHUJI, China, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Dallas Moore's 32 points helped the Guangzhou Loong Lions edged the Jiangsu Dragons 90-89, while the Qingdao Eagles swallowed their sixth defeat in a row after losing to the Liaoning Flying Leopards 112-94 in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league here on Sunday.
Dezmine Wells of Jiangsu notched a game-high 37 points and 12 rebounds, but he couldn't turn the tables due to Guangzhou's aggressive defense, even when his team cut the deficit to only one point in the final minutes.
Although Jiangsu found their rhythm early with a 20-16 lead in the first quarter, Guo Kai, who posted a double-double of 17 points plus 12 rebounds, paced Guangzhou to establish a one-point lead at halftime.
Guangzhou continued their attacks offensively in the second half, enlarging the gap to 13 points, and they staged stable performances at the defensive end, which made the team efforts of Jiangsu in the last period in vain.
"Overall, our players played well, though they seemed to be less concentrated with some offensive turnovers, which gave the opponents a chance to narrow the gap," said Guangzhou head coach Guo Shiqiang.
The Liaoning Flying Leopards trounced the Qingdao Eagles, forcing the latter to endure another loss on Sunday.
"We are in a difficult period, as several players are injured. We have to face these difficulties and I hope the young men can gain confidence," said Qingdao head coach Wu Qinglong.
Former NBA player O.J. Mayo led Liaoning to launch a 17-0 run before the interval to enlarge their lead to 22 points, while Guo Ailun added fuel to the flames with his 11 points in the third quarter, expanding their advantage to 28 points into the last period.
Qingdao fought back hard in the last quarter, led by Dakari Johnson, who garnered 18 points and 11 rebounds, but very little time remained for them to complete the comeback.
On Sunday, the other games saw the Shandong Heroes cruise past the Shanxi Loongs 94-91; the Jilin Northeast Tigers beat the Nanjing Monkey Kings 108-89 and the Shenzhen Aviators edge the Beijing Ducks 95-92. Enditem
