CBA Round 45 (Regular Season): Guangsha L. defeat Shanxi L. in the closest game of the week

The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams' position at the end of Regular Season. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Second-ranked Loongs (33-12) gave a tough game to first ranked Guangsha Lions (38-7) in Taiyuan on Saturday. The visitors from Hangzhou managed to secure only three-point victory 110-107. However their fans expected easier game. Guangsha L. made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Shanxi L. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American James Nunnally (201-1990, college: UCSB) stepped up and scored 33 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and his fellow American import power forward Nathan Knight (208-1997, college: William & Mary) chipped in 21 points and 11 rebounds. The best for the losing side was the former international center Chuanxing Liu (222-1997) with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Guangsha L. maintains first place with 38-7 record. Shanxi L. at the other side keeps the second position with 12 games lost. Guangsha L. are looking forward to face Guangdong ST (#7) in Dongguan in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Shanxi L. will play on the road against Beijing (#10) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Important game to mention about took place in Shanghai. Tenth ranked Sharks (26-19) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 4th placed Ducks (31-14) 94-91 on Friday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. American forward Kenneth Lofton Jr (201-2002, college: La Tech) nailed a double-double by scoring 41 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 9 assists for the winning side and Zhelin Wang accounted for 25 points and 15 rebounds. American point guard Eugene German (183-1997, college: NIU) came up with 22 points and 6 assists for Beijing D. in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Shanghai went down to eleventh position due to points difference. Beijing D. at the other side keeps the fourth place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Liaoning and Xinjiang. Shanghai will play against higher ranked Liaoning (#6) in Yingkou in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Beijing D. will play on the road against Nanjing in Jiangsu and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Sixth ranked Flying Tigers (31-14) crushed at home 19th ranked Blue Whales (9-36) by 29 points 115-86, which is the biggest margin this round on Saturday night. The best player for the winners was Dedric Lawson who scored 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Marcus Georges-Hunt who recorded 20 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Xinjiang moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Beijing D. and Liaoning. Sichuan lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the nineteenth position with 36 games lost. Xinjiang will meet Qingdao E. (#8) on the road in the next round. Sichuan will play against Shandong H. (#3) and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 45: Qingdao E. won against Jilin NE T. on the opponent's court 95-88. Liaoning outscored Guangzhou in a home game 135-108. Fujian S. was rolled over Nanjing on the road 136-111. Shandong H. crushed Jiangsu D. on its own court 102-83. Beijing beat Shenzhen L. in a road game 105-91. Ningbo R. was destroyed by Guangdong ST at home 92-112. Tianjin unfortunately lost to Zhejiang GB. on the opponent's court 107-118.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 24 points by Xinkai Wang of Sichuan BW.



Jilin NE T. - Qingdao E. 88-95

Very expected game in Changchun where 14th ranked Jilin Tigers (13-32) were defeated by eighth ranked Eagles (30-15) 95-88 on Friday. Qingdao E. looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was international center Hansen Yang (216-2005) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 16 rebounds. American guard Myles Powell (188-1997, college: Seton Hall) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Dominique Jones (193-1988, college: S.Florida) who recorded 22 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and Czech Tomas Kyzlink (198-1993) added 24 points respectively. Five Qingdao E. and four Jilin NE T. players scored in double figures. Jilin Tigers' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Eagles have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Qingdao E. moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Guangdong ST. Jilin NE T. lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with 32 games lost. They share it with Guangzhou. Qingdao E. will meet at home higher ranked Xinjiang (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Jilin NE T. will play against Guangzhou (#14) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Qingdao E.: Y.Hansen 24+16reb, P.Myles 17+6reb+11ast, M.Jordan 11+15reb+2ast, G.Qifang 10+2reb+2ast, W.Quinndary 10+4reb+3ast, Z.Jiayi 9+2reb+2ast
Jilin NE T.: K.Tomas 24+4reb+2ast, J.Dominique 22+8reb+6ast, B.Kavell 12+15reb+1ast, C.Jinming 11+2reb+1ast, L.Licheng 6+3reb+1ast, B.Lutu 5+6reb

Liaoning FL - Guangzhou LL 135-108

Very predictable result in Yingkou where sixth ranked Flying Leopards (31-14) smashed 15th ranked Loong Lions (13-32) 135-108 on Friday. Liaoning dominated down low during the game scoring 78 of its points in the paint compared to Loong Lions's 52. Liaoning looked well-organized offensively handing out 40 assists comparing to just 21 passes made by Guangzhou's players. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was guard Dezmine Wells (196-1992, college: Maryland) who scored 23 points and 6 assists. Forward Cameron Oliver (203-1996, college: Nevada) chipped in 22 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was Jamaal Franklin (196-1991, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) who recorded 31 points and 4 assists and center Tyshaun Crawford (216-1999, college: Augusta) added 16 points and 10 rebounds respectively. Four Liaoning and five Guangzhou players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Flying Leopards have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Defending champion moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Beijing D. and Xinjiang. Loser Loong Lions dropped to the fourteenth position with 32 games lost. They share it with Jilin NE T.. Liaoning will meet Shanghai (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Guangzhou will play against Jilin NE T. in Changchun and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Liaoning FL: W.Dezmine 23+4reb+6ast, O.Cameron 22+4reb, H.Dejun 15+3reb+2ast, Y.Shouqi 14+2reb+5ast, W.III James 13+8reb+1ast, Z.Zhenlin 12+2reb+6ast
Guangzhou LL: F.Jamaal 31+2reb+4ast, Y.Saidake 16+1reb+3ast, C.Tyshaun 16+10reb+2ast, Y.Zhaoyao 16+2reb+2ast, M.Koby 15+5reb+4ast, L.Yancheng 6+5reb

Nanjing MK - Fujian S. 136-111

Not a big story in a game in Jiangsu where 18th ranked Sturgeons (9-35) were rolled over by twelfth ranked Monkey Kings (23-22) 136-111 on Friday. Nanjing made 34-of-38 free shots (89.5 percent) during the game, while Fujian S. only scored seventeen points from the stripe. They outrebounded Fujian S. 48-34 including a 36-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Nanjing looked well-organized offensively handing out 34 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Fujian S.'s players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Nanjing made 8 blocks. The best player for the winners was American point guard Kendric Davis (183-1999, college: Memphis) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 assists. Senegalese center Tacko Fall (231-1995, college: UCF) chipped in a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Joseph Young (188-1992, college: Oregon) who recorded 30 points and 4 assists and forward Yang Zou (198-2000) added 26 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Five Nanjing and four Fujian S. players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Nanjing maintains twelfth place with 23-22 record. Loser Sturgeons keeps the eighteenth position with 35 games lost. Nanjing will meet at home higher ranked Beijing D. (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Fujian S. will play against Shenzhen L. (#13) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nanjing MK: L.Wei 24+3reb+7ast, D.Kendric 22+4reb+12ast, F.Tacko 20+14reb+1ast, Z.Fanri 12+6reb+2ast, L.TJ 12+10reb+6ast, Z.Baiqing 12+4reb+1ast
Fujian S.: Y.Joseph 30+3reb+4ast, Z.Yang 26+8reb+1ast, K.Louis 23+3reb, L.Yiyang 14+1reb+2ast, C.Quinn 6+2reb+5ast, S.Baylee 4+2reb

Shandong H. - Jiangsu D. 102-83

Everything went according to plan in Jinan where fourth ranked Heroes (32-13) outscored bottom-ranked Jiangsu Dragons (6-38) 102-83 on Friday. Shandong H. dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Jiangsu Dragons's 30 and made 33-of-40 free shots (82.5 percent) during the game. Shandong H. forced 23 Jiangsu D. turnovers and outrebounded them 47-35 including 37 on the defensive glass. Shandong H. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American Marquese Chriss (206-1997, college: Washington) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds. The former international point guard Shiyan Gao (186-1996) chipped in 11 points and 7 assists. Five Heroes players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Archie Goodwin (196-1994, college: Kentucky) who recorded 31 points and 9 rebounds and the other American import power forward James Thompson IV (208-1995, college: EMU) added 19 points and 14 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Heroes have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Shandong H. moved-up to third place. Jiangsu D. lost tenth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 38 lost games. Shandong H. will meet Sichuan (#19) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Jiangsu D. will play against Zhejiang GB. in Hangzhou and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shandong H.: C.Marquese 22+13reb+3ast, C.Peidong 12+1reb+1ast, G.Shiyan 11+4reb+7ast, X.Zhijie 10+4reb, G.Kai 10+4reb+2ast, K.Khalifa 10+7reb
Jiangsu D.: G.Archie 31+9reb+3ast, T.IV James 19+14reb, J.Frank 13+1reb+4ast, L.Zexi 6+1reb+3ast, Z.Qilong 4+3reb, Y.Shi 4+2reb+5ast

Shanghai S. - Beijing D. 94-91

Important game to mention about took place in Shanghai. Tenth ranked Sharks (26-19) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 4th placed Ducks (31-14) 94-91 on Friday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. Shanghai had a 37-26 advantage in offensive rebounds. American forward Kenneth Lofton Jr (201-2002, college: La Tech) nailed a double-double by scoring 41 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 9 assists for the winning side and the former international center Zhelin Wang (214-1994) accounted for 25 points and 15 rebounds. American point guard Eugene German (183-1997, college: NIU) came up with 22 points and 6 assists and the former international center Qi Zhou (217-1996) added 8 points and 13 rebounds respectively for Beijing D. in the defeat. Four Beijing D. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Shanghai went down to eleventh position due to points difference. Beijing D. at the other side keeps the fourth place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Liaoning and Xinjiang. Shanghai will play against higher ranked Liaoning (#6) in Yingkou in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Beijing D. will play on the road against Nanjing in Jiangsu and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Shanghai S.: L.Jr. Kenneth 41+10reb+9ast, W.Zhelin 25+15reb, Y.Tangwen 7+5reb+1ast, B.Eric 6+4reb+4ast, L.Lijia 5+1ast, L.Hongquan 3+8reb+2ast
Beijing D.: G.Eugene 22+3reb+6ast, F.Shuo 14+3reb+1ast, F.Zeng 12+5reb+1ast, N.Zach 11+4reb+5ast, Z.Cairen 10+2reb, Z.Qi 8+13reb+2ast

Shenzhen L. - Beijing RF 91-105

There was no surprise in Shenzhen where 13th ranked Leopards (16-28) were defeated by eleventh ranked Royal Fighters (26-18) 105-91 on Friday. Beijing looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Beijing made 8 blocks. The best player for the winners was the former international center Zijie Shen (210-1997) who scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. American Grant Riller (189-1997, college: Charleston) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American point guard Markell Johnson (188-1998, college: NC State) who recorded 24 points and 7 assists and the other American import center Trevor Thompson (210-1994, college: Ohio St., agency: Octagon Europe) added 14 points and 12 rebounds respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Royal Fighters have a solid series of three victories in a row. Beijing moved-up to tenth place. Shenzhen L. lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 28 games lost. Beijing will meet at home league's second-placed Shanxi L. in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Shenzhen L. will play against Fujian S. (#18) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Beijing RF: Z.Fan 19+3reb+2ast, R.Grant 18+6reb+3ast, S.Zijie 14+6reb+8ast, L.Sanning 12+4reb+4ast, Z.Songwei 11+3reb, C.Guohao 9+2reb
Shenzhen L.: J.Markell 24+3reb+7ast, T.Trevor 14+12reb+3ast, M.Mingkun 14+4reb, W.Haoran 14+8reb+3ast, W.Sonny 9+2reb+1ast, Z.Rong 7+1reb+1ast

Ningbo R. - Guangdong ST 92-112

No shocking result in a game in Ningbo where eighth ranked Guandong Tigers (30-15) outleveled 17th ranked Rockets (10-35) 112-92 on Saturday. Guangdong ST dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Rockets's 38. Guangdong ST outrebounded Ningbo R. 50-37 including 16 on the offensive glass. Guangdong ST looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Guangdong ST made 10 blocks. The best player for the winners was American forward Darius Bazley (206-2000) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks. The former international point guard Jie Xu (181-2000) chipped in 28 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Guandong Tigers players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was South Sudanese-Australian forward Kouat Noi (201-1997, college: TCU) who recorded 35 points (!!!) and American swingman Ronald March (196-1993, college: Philander Smith) added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Guandong Tigers have a solid series of three victories in a row. Guangdong ST moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Qingdao E. Ningbo R. lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the seventeenth position with 35 games lost. Guangdong ST will meet at home league's leader Guangsha L. in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Ningbo R. will play against Tianjin (#16) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guangdong ST: X.Jie 28+5reb+4ast, H.Mingxuan 19+2reb+4ast, M.Eric 19+13reb+3ast, B.Darius 18+14reb+6ast, D.Runwang 11+4reb+4ast, B.Trey 7+3reb
Ningbo R.: N.Kouat 35+3reb+1ast, M.Ronald 15+5reb+8ast, M.Mangok 10+13reb+1ast, L.Kaiwen 9+2reb+1ast, H.Jordan 7+2reb+2ast, X.Yuzhuo 5+1reb+1ast

Shanxi L. - Guangsha L. 107-110

Second-ranked Loongs (33-12) gave a tough game to first ranked Guangsha Lions (38-7) in Taiyuan on Saturday. The visitors from Hangzhou managed to secure only three-point victory 110-107. However their fans expected easier game. Guangsha L. made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Shanxi L. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American James Nunnally (201-1990, college: UCSB) stepped up and scored 33 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and his fellow American import power forward Nathan Knight (208-1997, college: William & Mary) chipped in 21 points and 11 rebounds. The best for the losing side was the former international center Chuanxing Liu (222-1997) with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists and American Brandon Goodwin (188-1995, college: FGCU) scored 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Guangsha L. and five Shanxi L. players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Guangsha L. maintains first place with 38-7 record. Shanxi L. at the other side keeps the second position with 12 games lost. Guangsha L. are looking forward to face Guangdong ST (#7) in Dongguan in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Shanxi L. will play on the road against Beijing (#10) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Guangsha L.: N.James 33+5reb+4ast, K.Nathan 21+11reb+2ast, Z.Junlong 14+12reb+5ast, Z.Jiaren 13+1reb+5ast, Z.Yanhao 8+2reb+1ast, W.Xiao 6+9reb
Shanxi L.: G.Brandon 23+5reb+4ast, D.Hamidou 21+6reb+2ast, Z.Ning 18+5reb, L.Chuanxing 16+15reb+4ast, Y.Shuai 10+1reb+1ast, M.Jia 6+2reb+2ast

Zhejiang GB. - Tianjin 118-107

Very expected game in Hangzhou where 16th ranked Pioneers (12-33) were defeated by ninth ranked Golden Bulls (29-16) 118-107 on Saturday. Zhejiang GB. made 16-of-16 free shots (100 percent !!!) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was American Gabe York (190-1993, college: Arizona) who scored 41 points (!!!) and 7 assists. Naturalized American center Harold Yu (221-2003) chipped in a double-double by scoring 22 points and 15 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Five Golden Bulls players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Javion Hamlet (193-1998, college: N.Texas) who recorded a double-double by scoring 27 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists and power forward Bochao Du (206-1999) added 24 points respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Golden Bulls have a solid series of four victories in a row. Zhejiang GB. maintains ninth place with 29-16 record. Loser Pioneers keeps the sixteenth position with 33 games lost. Zhejiang GB. will meet at home bottom-ranked Jiangsu D. (#20) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Tianjin will play against Ningbo R. (#17) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Zhejiang GB.: Y.Gabe 41+3reb+7ast, Y.Harold 22+15reb+2ast, J.Damian 15+12reb+2ast, W.Qian 13+1reb+6ast, L.Zeyi 11+2reb+3ast, W.Yilin 7+3ast
Tianjin: H.Javion 27+8reb+10ast, D.Bochao 24+4reb, Y.Tian 20+7reb, G.Brevin 7, J.Jr. Scottie 7+8reb+4ast, L.Junhao 6+5reb+1ast

Xinjiang FT - Sichuan BW 115-86

Sixth ranked Flying Tigers (31-14) crushed at home 19th ranked Blue Whales (9-36) by 29 points 115-86, which is the biggest margin this round on Saturday night. Xinjiang dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Blue Whales's 34 and made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. Xinjiang outrebounded Sichuan 50-27 including a 37-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Xinjiang looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Sichuan's players. The best player for the winners was American power forward Dedric Lawson (206-1997, college: Kansas) who scored 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. His fellow American import point guard QJ Peterson (183-1994, college: VMI) chipped in 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Flying Tigers players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was U.S. Virgin Islands-American forward Marcus Georges-Hunt (196-1994, college: Georgia Tech) who recorded 20 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals and Xinkai Wang (197-1983) added 24 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Xinjiang moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Beijing D. and Liaoning. Sichuan lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the nineteenth position with 36 games lost. Xinjiang will meet Qingdao E. (#8) on the road in the next round. Sichuan will play against Shandong H. (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Xinjiang FT: H.Montrezl 17+7reb+1ast, Z.Xuhang 16+4reb, P.QJ 15+6reb+4ast, L.Dedric 13+7reb+5ast, Q.Lin 12+3reb+1ast, L.Yanzhe 9+5reb+3ast
Sichuan BW: W.Xinkai 24+4reb+1ast, L.Jinxiao 20+5reb+2ast, G.Marcus 20+9reb+7ast, F.Jiachen 6+1reb+3ast, Z.Rui 5+1reb+2ast, Y.Wenxue 5+4reb