Liaoning smash Jiangsu in CBA

QINGDAO, China -- With five players scoring double figures, the Liaoning Flying Leopards overwhelmed the Jiangsu Dragons 114-91 in the 2019-20 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) here on Wednesday.

Liaoning guard Guo Ailun notched a game-high 28 points, shooting 13 for 20. His teammate O.J. Mayo contributed 25 points. Though Antonio Blakeney of Jiangsu racked up 22 points and 13 rebounds, he was unable to maintain sustained pressure at the offensive end.

"We faced a good team and they have very good players," rued Jiangsu head coach Jonas Kazlauskas at the post-game press conference. "I'm disappointed because we didn't follow the game plan, and I didn't feel our motivation."

Led by Guo, who scored consecutive easy baskets in fast breaks, Liaoning made a ruthless start and led 30-18 after the first quarter. Jiangsu's defense seemed helpless as Guo maintained his immense form in transitions to help his team build a 14-point lead at half-time.

"We played very well at the beginning, and once we did that, we wouldn't have too bad a result, because we controled the rhythm," said Guo.

Blakeney stood out for a while for Jiangsu in the second half with some tough jump shots, but he could not connect with the whole team and help them regroup, as their opponents hit several three-pointers to turn the game into a rout on an 8-0 run.

Liaoning will next face the Shandong Heroes this Saturday.