ZHUJI, China, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Liaoning Leopards defeated the Shanxi Loongs 124-87 in the 2020-21 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season here on Thursday.

Seven Liaoning players scored double digits. Han Dejun had a game-high 18 points and nine rebounds. Guo Ailun snatched 17 points in 12 minutes, while rookie forward Zhang Zhenlin added 15 points.

"We played very well in this match and made a good start to the new year," Liaoning coach Yang Ming said.

For Shanxi, rookie Zhang Ning scored 18 points from the substitutes' bench. Center Eric Moreland only had five points and seven rebounds, far below his season average of 16.3 points and 12.9 rebounds.

On the back of Guo's 17 first-half points, Liaoning took a 59-34 lead into half-time. Shanxi had 10 turnovers in this half.

Entering the third quarter, with Zhang Zhenlin's fast break and O.J. Mayo's three-pointer, Liaoning increased its advantage to 40 points.

Zhang Ning tried hard to fight back with 13 points in the last quarter, but Liaoning held the lead until the end.

"We should see the distance with strong teams and keep on working hard in the future," said Zhang Ning.

Liaoning remains top of the league after this game, while Shanxi has now lost six of the last nine matches since core player Jamaal Franklin has been sidelined with injury.

Liaoning will take on Qingdao in the next round, while Shanxi takes on Shandong. Enditem

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