CBA League: Yi Jianlian helps Guangdong out-dunk Qingdao

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In the ongoing Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league, Yi Jianlian scored 23 points as Guangdong defeated the Qingdao Eagles 129 to 108 in Qingdao City, east China's Shandong Province on Thursday.

The victory helped the Southern Tigers maintain their lead at the top of the league table with the eight-time champions claiming their eighth win on the bounce.

Earlier, Guangdong enjoyed a strong start as Yi's three-pointer put the visitors up by four, early in the first quarter.

The four-time International MVP later went inside, expanding their edge to eight.

But Jonathan Gibson powered the hosts surge back and took the lead on his way to a game-high 46.

The Southern Tigers bounced back in the second quarter as Yi drove to the rack for a dunk and a foul.

The eight-time champs showcased more dominance after half-time as Sonny Weems pulled up for two of his team-high 25.

Guangdong's Yi Jianlian scores during his side's CBA game which they had a 129-108 win against Qingdao Eagles in Qingdao City, east China's Shandong Province, January 24, 2019. /VCG Photo

Weems then bobbed and weaved around the Eagles' defense before sinking another jumper, putting the league leaders ahead by 30 late in the third quarter.

The home side tried to claw back in the fourth quarter. Gibson dished to Xu Jiayan for the fast-break lay-up, but the deficit was 19.

Subsequently, the Southern Tigers ran out the clock to win by 21 points and notch up their eighth straight win, which put them a game and a half in front of defending champions Liaoning in the standings.

Elsewhere, Dwight Buycks scored 39 points, while Gu Quan added 37, as third-placed Shenzhen raced past Shanxi. Courtney Fortson's 32 led fourth-placed Guangsha over Tianjin. Luis Scola had 36 points and 15 rebounds to help Shanghai beat Sichuan despite being without Jimmer Fredette and Darius Adams exploded for 57 as Xinjiang edged Zhejiang.