Hometown boy helps China win over Team American United in basketball friendly

China's forward Li Gen made an impressive return to his hometown on Friday when he scored a team-high 21 points to award the hosts an 83-80 win over Team American United.

The 27-year-old forward from Jiaozuo, a city situated in the northwest of Henan province, also contributed two steals in front of his relatives and friends.

"Tonight is the first time my grandma sitting at the stands to watch my play. It's a brilliant experience. I feel so happy," said Li Gen. "I handed out hundreds of tickets to my friends and relatives in Jiaozuo."

The match started with John Taylor's fade-away before the hosts responded with an in-your-face dunk from center Li Muhao, who dominated the paint with two blocks in the first quarter. The Americans regrouped in the second to outscore China by 15 points, building up a 42-34 lead at halftime.

China stormed back with a 11-0 run in the third to regain the upperhand. A three-pointer by guard Guo Ailun helped them lead by 64-58 into the last period.

The whole stadium was thrown into silence for a while when Zhou Qi, the possible NBA center in the future, lay on the floor due to a thigh injury. Luckily he was able to stand up and step down himself later.

With only 24 seconds left, China was 79-80 down after Anton Nixon Jr's crucial layup. Then a tip-in by Li Muhao and a slamdunk by Zhai Xiaochuan helped China to lead for good at 83-80. With 0.4 seconds to go, the visitors missed their last shot, thus lost their second friendly in a row.

Li Muhao had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. Guo Ailun scored 13 points. John Taylor had game-high 33 points for the visitors.

The third friendly will be played on June 12th in Luoyang, Henan Province of China. Endit