Chinese Basketball Association: Liaoning 121 - Guangsha 115

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We get things going with the Chinese Basketball Association as tow of the top teams in the league squared off when the first place Guangsha Lions hosted the second place Liaoning Flying Leopards. Highlighting this matchup would be the battle between Guangsha's youngster Hu Jinqiu and veteran big man Han Dejun, while Liaoning's Guo Ailun and Zhao Jiwei would be tasked with controlling Courtney Fortson.

Fortson finds Hu and the 20 year old Chinese scores on the lay-up to make it 9-6 Guangsha.

But soon after, Fortson hurts his ankle, but the American remains in the game.

Liaoning go to work from distance as Liu Zhixuan nails a corner triple.

And when Liu Xiaoxu connects from the top of the arc, it's 52-44 Flying Leopards.

Early in the third quarter, Lester Hudson fakes and then cans a three.

Before the American adds a deuce on the inside.

Fortson counters at the other end to keep it close.

Liu drives in then passes to Han Dejun, whose baseline jam gives Liaoning a four point lead.

But Fortson comes right back as he gets the jumper to fall and draws a foul.

Fortson then draws a fifth foul from Guo who could only limit the American to a game-high 38 points.

With the score tied at 115, Han muscles in to put the Flying Leopards ahead.

And Guo would seal the victory when he converts a fast break lay-up and Liaoning go on to win 121-115.

In other games, Xinjiang defeated visiting Guangzhou, Beijing beat Qingdao thanks to 31 points and 15 rebounds from Justin Hamilton. Jimmer Fredette combined with Nick Minnerath for 74 points in Shanghai's win over Shanxi. Guangdong saw off Sichuan, Beikong got a slim win over Tianjin, and Jilin topped Jiangsu.

In the standings, Liaoning have now joined Guangsha on top with records of 18-5, Jiangsu and Gaungdong are both one game back, Shandong are in fifth with 16 wins followed by Shenzhen, Zhejiang, and Beijing.