Li Xiaoxu (first right) of Liaoning Flying Leopards goes for a lay-up during the 39th round match against Beijing Ducks at the 2023-2024 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning province, Feb 5, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING - Defending champions the Liaoning Flying Leopards returned to the top of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league standings after overwhelming bottom side the Jiangsu Dragons 106-85 on Wednesday.

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Jiangsu had a competitive first half at home and trailed by eight points at the break. However, Liaoning found their rhythm and outscored Jiangsu 30-10 in the third period. The home team attempted to come back into contention from there, but Liaoning wrapped up the victory with its shooters logging a stable performance.

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Six Liaoning players scored in double digits, led by Kyle Fogg's 23 points. Star point guard Zhao Jiwei added 19 points and seven assists. Ma Jianhao led Jiangsu with 19 points.

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Both Liaoning and Xinjiang registered 32-7 win-loss records, while Liaoning took up the leading position due to its victory over Xinjiang earlier this season.

"I'm very happy for the win," said Liaoning head coach Hugo Lopez. "We made a few adjustments at halftime break, and the third quarter was fantastic."