CBA: Shanghai rout Liaoning, Beijing past Tianjin

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02:26

One of the most prolific scorers in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) led the Shanghai Shark past the Liaoning Flying Leopards 104 to 91 on Thursday night.

Jimmer Fredette's game-high 37 points proved to be the difference against the defending champions, who themselves were suffering from injuries.

Shanghai welcomed back veteran point-guard Liu Wei who rejoined his hometown side after spells with Xinjiang and Sichuan. The 38-year-old returned to the Sharks alongside coach Li Qiuping, who led them to their only CBA championship title in 2002 in a team which included Yao Ming.

Fredette got to work early on by landing a jumper in the opening quarter to put the home side up by eight.

Liaoning tried their best to contain the ex-Nicks man, but when he found Cai Liang for three, Shanghai had a double-digit lead before the first buzzer.

Shanghai's Liu Wei takes on Liaoning's Lester Hudson during their CBA league clash on October 25. /VCG Photo

Liu was sent onto the court for his second home debut after four years away.

Liaoning were behind by 15 late in the second. Their key guard Guo Ailun remained solid from distance and finished with 25 points.

The Flying Leopards started strong after the break. Lester Hudson fed Brandon Bass to find the basket and cut the margin to five.

But the visitors paid the price for their turnovers. Liu landed a steal to get Shanghai back on track midway through the period.

The reigning CBA champs refused to fold though. Guo's three made it a one-point game.

However, the Sharks restored their advantage. Hanchen picked out Luis Scola for a layup. And it was back to double digits.

Fredette helped them seal a 104-91 victory late on. The Shanghai guard scored a game-high 37, and the Sharks moved to a 2 and 1 record for the new season.

Other games on Thursday night included the Beijing Ducks coming home with a 98-77 victory from Tianjin. Shanxi fell to Jilin 89-87. Former Golden State Warriors center Marreese Speights had 21 points and eight rebounds as the Guangzhou Long Lions held off the Qingdao Eagles 105-88. The Shenzhen Leopards won by one single point against Beikong despite 67 points from Pierre Jackson.