Guo Ailun competes during the CBA match between Liaoning Flying Leopards and Tianjin Pioneers in Zhuji, Zhejiang province, Oct 19, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]
ZHUJI, China - The Liaoning Flying Leopards beat The Tianjin Pioneers 121-108 here on Monday, winning the first regular season game of the 2020-21 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
Liaoning's all-star guard Guo Ailun contributed a huge double-double with a game-best 39 points and 10 assists. Han Dejun added 17 points plus 17 rebounds. It was also a good start for Zhang Zhenlin, who finished his CBA debut with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Tianjin's Shi Deshuai got a team-high 22 points.
Tianjin, who fielded a line-up comprised of only Chinese players, struggled with a tough beginning in the game, and Liaoning led 40-19 in the opening quarter.
Tianjin tried to fight back in the rest of the game, only to see Liaoning keep attacking the rim. Liaoning broadened the gap to more than 10 points in the latter half of the final quarter and sealed the victory soon afterward.
