CHN - Liaoning beat Guangdong, take CBA Finals to Game Five

BEIJING (CBA) - What were New York Yankees great Yogi Berra's immortal words of wisdom?

"It ain't over til it's over," the former baseball star once said.

And that's what Liaoning players and fans are saying, too, after the club avoided a sweep in the CBA Finals with a 105-96 triumph over Guangdong.

The fifth game in the series will be played back in Guangdong, who are seeking a fourth title in five years.

"I know most of the fans believed we would be swept, but we are very honored today," said Liaoning coach Guo Shiqiang, who now expects another win to bring the series back to Liaoning's Bayuquan home court.

"I'm pleased with all the players' performances. It is the best game we've played since I've coached the team. Our next aim is to fight and get back to Bayuquan!"

Liaoning led 51-40 at half-time and they held on for the triumph.

Zhang Qingpeng had a game-high 31 points to lead Liaoning while his team-mates Liu Xiaoxu poured in 27 and Olumide Oyedeji weighed in with 25.

Guangdong's Zhu Fangyu had 29 points but was just two of eight from three-point range while as a team, the visitors were seven of 29 (21.4%) from behind the arc.

Guangdong coach Li Chunjiang blamed his side's defeat on poor defense.

"The vital thing is, we have to recognize the problem," Li said. "Our defense was not good enough, and the low percentage from three-point range was because our players were not calm enough.

"I take the responsibility for our loss and as I said, we will play the rest of the games well."

Wang Shipeng and Jason Dixon finished with 17 points and 14, respectively, for Guangdong.

FIBA