Rockets Beat Cyclone in China's Basketball League

Liu Yudong scored 45 points to lead defending champions Bayi Rockets over Zhejiang Cyclone 134-113 in a Chinese Basketball League game in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China Wednesday, December 27.

Liu Yudong, Bayi's leading scorer this season, added 12 rebounds and three assists to the hosts' fifth straight win.

The visiting Cyclone, who trailed 81-63 at the half time, cut the deficit to five points in the dying minute of the third period, but Liu's three-pointer at the buzzer put Bayi 100-92 ahead.

Less than four minutes into the final quarter, the Cyclone narrowed the gap to four points, but the Rockets opened it again with a 21-5 run.

"We had an easy win, but our players did not play as hard as they could," said Bayi coach Wang Fei after the game. "Generally speaking, their performance is satisfactory."

Wang Zhizhi, 2.14 meters, had 32 points, 12 rebounds and four assists for the Rockets and his teammates Li Nan and Zhang Jinsong contributed 24 and 20 respectively.

Zheng Wu led Zhejiang with 39 points. American Jason Woodard added 27 points, nine rebounds and five steals.

In Wednesday's other actions, Liaoning Hunters beat Vanguard Aoshen 95-85 at home and Jiangsu Dragons trounced Shenyang Army 130-83. Shenyang, who was just promoted from the Chinese second division this season, has yet to register a victory after 11 rounds of competitions.






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