Jilin upset Guangdong, Zhou Qi scores career-high 35 points

BEIJING - Dominique Jones powered the home side Jilin Northeast Tigers with triple-doubles to topple defending champion Guangdong 120-115, while Xinjiang's center Zhou Qi scored career-high 35 points to defeat Fujian Sturgeons in the fourth round of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league on Sunday.

Jones scored 49 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, while Yi Jianlian on Guangdong Southeast Tigers side got the match-high 14 rebounds and scored 27 points.

Jilin led 24-21 over Guangdong entering the second quarter. However, Yi fought back with seven points in a row to overtake the lead before Marshon Brooks made four three-pointers to help the visitors widen the gap to 53-47 into the second half.

Jones justified his 'engine' position in the third quarter, serving six assists and scoring 12 points, and continued his form in the last quarter to help Jilin built up leading, with teammate Dai Huaibo scoring four three-pointers in a row to secure Jilin's fourth victory in a streak.

Xinjiang Flying Tigers also maintained its clean sheet. Centers Zhou Qi and Wang Zhelin became the focus of the match between Xinjiang and Fujian Sturgeons. Zhou made 35 points against 27 for Wang, with each grabbing nine rebounds apiece.

Home side Fujian was trying to break its three-game losing streak and the scores were tight with Xinjiang leading 93-90 into the last quarter. The host team closed the gap to 99-97 thanks to seven straight points from Green. After both sides exchanged leads, Kelanbaike made the decisive corner 3-pointer, gifting Xinjiang a 118-123 lead in the last minute, and sealed the victory 127-120.

Xinjiang remained unbeaten with four wins, while Fujian was still praying for its first win.

Bayi Rockets also had no wins earlier, was pushed to the corner by Liaoning Flying Leopards 114-89. With six players scoring double digits, Liaoning enjoyed their first two-game winning streak following a poor start to the season. Shanghai Sharks also had its two-game winning streak, sealing the visiting Tianjin Pioneers zero win.

On the other matches, Beijing Ducks defeated Qingdao Eagles 115-104 to continue its four-game winning streak, Beijing Royal Fighters beat Shenzhen Aviators 94-87, Zhejiang Lions beat Shanxi Loongs 100-91, Jiangsu Dragons thrashed Sichuan Blue Whale 117-101, Shandong Heroes defeated Guangzhou Loong Lions with a narrow victory 100-99.