Bayi Rockets kept their winning momentum as they slammed Zhejiang Cyclone 124-100 at a 16th-round match of the Chinese Basketball League on Wednesday.

The defending champions slipped into the habitual sluggish form in the opening stage and had to settle the first quarter for a 29- all tie after failing to find effective ways to pull away from the defense-minded home side.

Rockets managed to come back on track by sparking a 7-0 run at the start of the next quarter, only to be replied by Cyclone with a solid defense which left the visitors scoreless for three minutes.

With six minutes left in the second quarter Li Nan came off the bench to replace national center Wang Zhizhi, a move proved to be wise as Bayi regained the control with three pointers.

Leading 60-57 into the third quarter Bayi finally found their rhythm as they showed their quality on both courts and went ahead into the final quarter with a 15-point advantage.

The home side showed signs of fatigue before the fast-attacking Bayi who easily settled the match in their favor.

The win kept Bayi atop the rankings on 31 points, followed by Guangdong Hongyuan which regained their second placing by a 109-92 win over Liaoning Hunters at home court.

Else where Beijing Ducks downed Jilin Northeast Tigers 97-85. Shanghai Sharks lost to Jiangsu Dragons 113-118. Shandong Bulls thrashed Hubei Mei'erya 112-88. Nanjing Army bowed to Vanguard Aoshen 98-112. (Xinhua)