ZHUJI, China, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Star guard Guo Ailun had 27 points and seven assists as Liaoning Flying Leopards beat Guangzhou Loong Lions 102-96 in the first day of the second phase of the 2020-21 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league here on Wednesday.
It was Guangzhou who had the better start as it led 32-21 in the first quarter before Liaoning closed it up by 52-45 before the break.
Liaoning's rookie Zhang Zhenlin reversed the lead through a slam dunk in the third quarter, which ended 76-74 in favor of Liaoning.
The fourth quarter was even close as no team had a clear advantage until Guo Ailun made three free-throws in a row when Liaoning's former coach, now Guangdong's head coach Guo Shiqiang was called a technical foul, to give Liaoning the lead for good.
"It's a hard game. Guangzhou kept giving us great pressure from beginning to end. Fortunately we stood up to them before the end through our experience and defense," said Yang Ming, the head coach of Liaoning.
Liaoning center Han Dejun had 10 points and 16 rebounds and former NBA guard O.J. Mayo took 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jonathon Simmons got 14 points, three rebounds and four steals.
For Guangzhou, Dallas Moore collected 17 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Guo Kai got 19 points and three rebounds.