Guo Ailun inspires Liaoning past Sichuan in CBA

Guo Ailun (R) of the Liaoning Flying Leopards drives the ball during a CBA match against the Sichuan Blue Whales in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, July 26, 2020. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

QINGDAO, China, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Liaoning Flying Leopards star guard Guo Ailun notched 32 points to help his side thrash the Sichuan Blue Whales 126-79 in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) here on Sunday.

Liaoning finished the game with six players scoring double figures. Guo shot 9 for 13 overall to lead the way and his teammate O. J. Mayo also contributed 16 points. Hu Linsen of Sichuan scored 26 points.

Guo posted 15 points in eight minutes, leading Liaoning to get off the mark with a strong start on their way to a 12-point lead in the first quarter.

Liaoning continued to dominate and led 71-37 at half-time, as Guo displayed his dazzling skills to drive into the paint with easy layups and Mayo added more fuel to the fire with three-pointers.

"This was our last game of the season. Though everyone fought hard, we had many turnovers," rued Sichuan head coach Zhou Jinli at the post-game press conference.

Sichuan tried to pull themselves together in the second half with tough defense, but committed too many fouls to turn up the heat at the offensive end.

Liaoning concluded the CBA regular season in the top four with this win. "I've played very well since this season resumed, and this is the best basketball I've ever played in my lifetime," Guo said, adding that he would simply be himself and try his best in the upcoming playoffs. ■