Shanxi hand Liaoning 2nd loss, Guangdong win 12 straight

BEIJING - The Chirstmas Eve saw a tight game between CBA leaders Liaoning and sixth-ranked Shanxi.

On Wednesday night, Shanxi were leading for more than 20 points in the final quarter, and Liaoning still had a chance to win in the final minute. Shanxi survived the tough quarter, beating Liaoning 97-94 to take home a team-best seventh straight CBA league victory.

Von Wafer had a game-high 32 points for Shanxi. Zaid Abbass added 15 points and 12 rebounds.

It was the second loss for Liaoning in 2014-2015 season. They outscored the visitors 34-16 in the final quarter, but that wasn't enough for Liaoning to turn the game around.

Liaoning opened the game with a 7-0 run, but Shanxi managed to return 11-2. Liaoning shooters, who shot 13 out of 46 beyond the arc, found themselves difficult to find goal.

Shanxi found the right rhythm in the second quarter and took a 55-43 lead for half time.

Wafer led Shanxi to extend the lead, and Shanxi was holding a 21-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Liaoning improved the defense in the last period, cutting the gap to one point in the final minute.

Shanxi didn't do a good job on the free-throw line, but Liaoning made too many mistakes. The away team turned out to be the winners.

Lester Hudson had 28 points for Liaoning, but he made as many as eight turnovers. Guo Ailun and Yang Ming took 15 points apiece.

Guangdong wrapped up the 12th straight win after beating Qingdao. Yi Jianlian headed Guangdong with a game-best 24 points. Veteran Zhu Fangyu added 18 points.

Guangdong improved to 20-3 after the win, only one game behind Liaoning.

In other games on Wednesday, Foshan defeated Jiangsu 135-120, Jilin overwhelmed Zhejiang 121-108, Xinjiang eased past Shanghai 102-82, Tianjin outscored Chongqing 121-107, Shandong upset Bayi 91-83, Beijing got over Guangsha 112-99, Dongguan smashed Fujian 134-108, Tongxi beat Sichuan 108-82.