Liaoning stays unbeaten in National Games men's basketball event
DONGGUAN, China, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Defending champion Liaoning earned its second straight win in the men's basketball tournament at the 15th Chinese National Games on Wednesday, routing Macao 124-60 with 21 points from Fu Hao.
Against Macao, Gao Shiyan helped Liaoning build a double-digit advantage with an easy layup midway through the first quarter. Although Macao shot 4-for-5 from 3-point range, it trailed 31-18 after the first period.
In the second quarter, Yuan Shuai hit two consecutive 3-pointers to give Liaoning a 44-26 lead. Macao managed to cut the deficit to 15 points before halftime.
A 10-2 run in the third quarter extended Liaoning's lead to 65-44, putting the game out of Macao's reach.
Yuan Shuai scored 21 points for Liaoning, while Zhao Jiwei dished out 14 assists to go with seven points. Lai Ka Tong led Macao with 16 points and two rebounds.
In other Group I action, Tianjin beat Beijing 97-88. Tianjin and Liaoning now lead the group, while Beijing can keep its qualifying hopes alive with a win over Liaoning on Thursday.
"Beijing played very well in the warm-ups. We will face a tough game tomorrow," Liaoning head coach Yang Ming told Xinhua.
In Group III, former NBA player Zhou Qi scored 28 points to lead Sichuan in a comeback win over Henan 94-70. Hu Jinqiu added 22 points and 13 rebounds. Zhou was efficient from the field, shooting 11-for-14.
"These days, we have a game every day. Compared to competing in the CBA, I have to focus on making sure my players get better rest," Sichuan head coach Wang Bo said.
"Our players also need to play at a suitable pace on the court to save their strength," Wang added.
Elsewhere, Shanghai defeated Hong Kong 107-83 for its second win in the preliminary session, continuing its strong form.
Fourteen teams are competing in the men's basketball preliminaries, divided into three groups. The three group winners, three runners-up and the two best third-place finishers will advance to the quarterfinals. ■
