NBL Round 12 (Regular Season): Hunan beats Hefei in the most crucial game of the week

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Changsha. Third ranked Hunan faced second-best Hefei. Host Hunan (9-5) smashed guests from (8-6) 92-71. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The best player for the winners was American power forward Dakari Johnson (213-1995, college: Kentucky) who had a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 14 rebounds. The other American import guard Grant Sherfield (188-1999, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 21 points and 8 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American Gerry Blakes (193-1993, college: Arizona St.) who recorded 16 points and 6 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Hunan moved-up to second place. Hefei at the other side dropped to the third position with six games lost. Hunan are looking forward to face Hebei (#5) on the road in the next round. Hefei will play against Jiangxi and is hoping to win this game.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Yannan. First ranked HK JinNiu faced 4th ranked Jiangsu YS. Guests from (13-1) defeated host Jiangsu YS (7-7) 74-68. It was a good game for American power forward Josh Carlton (209-1999, college: Houston) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds. Michael Ertel II contributed with 17 points and 5 assists for the winners. Czech center Ondrej Balvin (217-1992, agency: Octagon Europe) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds for Jiangsu YS. HK JinNiu have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-1 record. Jiangsu YS at the other side keeps the fourth place with seven games lost. They share the position with Hebei. HK JinNiu will play against bottom-ranked Hubei (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Jiangsu YS will play against Guangxi (#7) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in supposed to be also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Jiangsu YS (7-7) played at the court of 8th ranked Hubei (1-13). Jiangsu YS smashed Hubei 99-68 on Saturday. Worth to mention a great performance of Ondrej Balvin who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was Xiaoming Wang with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Jiangsu YS maintains fourth position with 7-7 record, which they share with Hebei. Hubei lost fourth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 13 games lost. Jiangsu YS will meet at home Guangxi (#7) in the next round. Hubei will play against the league's leader HK JinNiu and hope to win that game.

Rest of the games of round 12 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Jiangxi was defeated by Hunan in Changsha 98-91. Hefei beat Guangxi at home 100-95. Hebei lost to Guangxi on the opponent's court 101-116. Jiangxi managed to outperform Hubei in a home game 98-89.
The best stats of 12th round was 35 points (!!!) and 5 assists by Isaiah Briscoe of Jiangxi.



Hunan - Jiangxi 98-91

There was no surprise in Changsha where 6th ranked Jiangxi (6-8) was defeated by third ranked Hunan (9-5) 98-91 on Friday. Hunan made 30-of-38 free shots (78.9 percent) during the game. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Dakari Johnson (213-1995, college: Kentucky) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Grant Sherfield (188-1999, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) who added 33 points (!!!) during the contest. The best for the losing side was point guard Isaiah Briscoe (190-1996, college: Kentucky) with 33 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 7 assists and guard Niven Glover (196-2000) scored 26 points, 5 rebounds and 5 blocks. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Hunan moved-up to second place. Loser Jiangxi keeps the sixth position with eight games lost. Hunan will meet Hebei (#5) on the road in the next round. Jiangxi will play against Hefei and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hunan: S.Grant 33+1reb+2ast, J.Dakari 24+16reb+4ast, L.Zhanglin 16+9reb+1ast, L.Jiaxin 8+5reb+1ast, G.Yan 8+3reb, Y.Yue 5+1reb
Jiangxi: B.Isaiah 33+8reb+7ast, G.Niven 26+5reb, L.Junwen 17+5reb+2ast, U.Robert 7+4reb, W.Yixiong 6+10reb+2ast, L.Yantao 2+2reb

Hefei - Guangxi 100-95

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Hefei (8-6) defeated at home 7th ranked Guangxi (5-9) 100-95 on Friday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Hefei made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American Gerry Blakes (193-1993, college: Arizona St.) who helped to win the game recording 40 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 9 assists (went 12 for 12 at the free throw line !!!) and Serbian center Radoslav Pekovic (216-1994, agency: Olsta) who added 21 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) during the contest. The best for the losing side was American guard Javion Hamlet (193-1998, college: N.Texas) with 31 points, 9 assists and 5 steals and Serbian center Djordje Gagic (210-1990, agency: Alti Sport) scored 21 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Hefei went down to third position due to points difference. Loser Guangxi keeps the seventh place with nine games lost. Hefei will meet Jiangxi (#6) in the next round. Guangxi will play against Jiangsu YS in Yannan and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hefei: B.Gerry 40+7reb+9ast, P.Radoslav 21+6reb+3ast, A.Dimitrios 10+2reb+1ast, Z.Xiran 7+3reb+5ast, L.Zihao 7+5reb+1ast, F.Jiawei 6+2reb+1ast
Guangxi: H.Javion 31+3reb+9ast, G.Djordje 21+9reb+3ast, W.Qingming 14+3reb+2ast, L.Joe 8+4reb, P.Zhenglin 8+1reb+7ast, Y.Kai 8+3reb+1ast

Hubei - Jiangsu YS 68-99

The game in supposed to be also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Jiangsu YS (7-7) played at the court of 8th ranked Hubei (1-13). Jiangsu YS smashed Hubei 99-68 on Saturday. They outrebounded Hubei 46-34 including 32 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of Czech center Ondrej Balvin (217-1992, agency: Octagon Europe) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists and Slovakian power forward Vladimir Brodziansky (210-1994, college: TCU, agency: Octagon Europe) who added 23 points and 13 rebounds during the contest. Four Jiangsu YS players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was guard Xiaoming Wang (190-1995) with 24 points and 7 rebounds and Serbian center Dejan Bjelic (209-1990, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Jiangsu YS maintains fourth position with 7-7 record, which they share with Hebei. Hubei lost fourth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 13 games lost. Jiangsu YS will meet at home Guangxi (#7) in the next round. Hubei will play against the league's leader HK JinNiu and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu YS: B.Vladimir 23+13reb+2ast, G.Devonte 22+3reb+2ast, B.Ondrej 22+16reb+4ast, Y.Xiang 13+2reb+3ast, G.Yuxiang 7+1reb+3ast, L.Jiange 7+3reb+1ast
Hubei: W.Xiaoming 24+7reb+2ast, B.Dejan 14+8reb+2ast, Z.Yiming 9+1reb, X.Haoyu 7+3reb+1ast, X.Shiwei 6+3reb+1ast, L.Wantong 5+4reb+2ast

Guangxi - Hebei 116-101

There was a minor upset when 5th ranked Hebei (7-7) was defeated on the road by seventh ranked Guangxi (5-9) 116-101 on Sunday. Guangxi made 24-of-27 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Hebei's players. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Zhenglin Pang (183-1971) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 9 assists and Serbian center Djordje Gagic (210-1990, agency: Alti Sport) who added 25 points and 5 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) during the contest. Five Guangxi players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Nigerian-American swingman EJ Anosike (199-1998, college: CS Fullerton) with a double-double by scoring 32 points and 12 rebounds and American center Trevor Thompson (210-1994, college: Ohio St., agency: Octagon Europe) scored 23 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Guangxi maintains seventh position with 5-9 record. Loser Hebei dropped to the fourth place with seven games lost. They share the position with Jiangsu YS. Guangxi will meet higher ranked Jiangsu YS (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Hebei will play against the league's second-placed Hunan where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Guangxi: G.Djordje 25+5reb+2ast, P.Zhenglin 24+4reb+9ast, L.Joe 21+6reb+1ast, W.Qingming 16+2reb+2ast, H.Javion 13+3reb+10ast, Y.Kai 10+3reb+1ast
Hebei: A.E.J. 32+12reb+2ast, T.Trevor 23+7reb+1ast, P.Eric 14+3reb+2ast, C.Xinxin 7+2reb+1ast, L.Zhanfan 7+2reb+2ast, J.Refukati 7+4reb

Hunan - Hefei 92-71

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Changsha. Third ranked Hunan faced second-best Hefei. Host Hunan (9-5) smashed guests from (8-6) 92-71. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The best player for the winners was American power forward Dakari Johnson (213-1995, college: Kentucky) who had a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 14 rebounds. The other American import guard Grant Sherfield (188-1999, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 21 points and 8 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American Gerry Blakes (193-1993, college: Arizona St.) who recorded 16 points and 6 assists and Greek forward Dimitrios Agravanis (208-1994, agency: Diamond Sports) added 16 points and 8 rebounds 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. Hunan moved-up to second place. Hefei at the other side dropped to the third position with six games lost. Hunan are looking forward to face Hebei (#5) on the road in the next round. Hefei will play against Jiangxi and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Hunan: J.Dakari 35+14reb+1ast, S.Grant 21+4reb+8ast, J.Pierre 8+2reb+5ast, L.Zhanglin 7+7reb+3ast, L.Jiaxin 6+1reb+1ast, Y.Yue 6
Hefei: A.Dimitrios 16+8reb+1ast, B.Gerry 16+4reb+6ast, P.Radoslav 9+3reb+1ast, Z.Xiran 8+4reb+2ast, Y.Wenbo 6+1ast, M.Tianyi 6+3reb

Jiangsu YS - HK JinNiu 68-74

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Yannan. First ranked HK JinNiu faced 4th ranked Jiangsu YS. Guests from (13-1) defeated host Jiangsu YS (7-7) 74-68. It was a good game for American power forward Josh Carlton (209-1999, college: Houston) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds. The other American import guard Michael Ertel II (186-1999, college: UAB) contributed with 17 points and 5 assists for the winners. Czech center Ondrej Balvin (217-1992, agency: Octagon Europe) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds and American guard Devonte Green (190-1997, college: Indiana) added 20 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Jiangsu YS. Four Jiangsu YS players scored in double figures. HK JinNiu have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-1 record. Jiangsu YS at the other side keeps the fourth place with seven games lost. They share the position with Hebei. HK JinNiu will play against bottom-ranked Hubei (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Jiangsu YS will play against Guangxi (#7) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
HK JinNiu: C.Josh 21+12reb+2ast, E.II Michael 17+2reb+5ast, D.Jian 10+3reb+2ast, Y.Ruihong 8+4reb+1ast, L.Yiwen 7+5reb+1ast, L.Duwei 5+2reb
Jiangsu YS: G.Devonte 20+6reb+1ast, B.Ondrej 19+12reb+2ast, B.Vladimir 10+7reb+2ast, L.Jiange 10+4reb+3ast, S.Jianhua 7+3reb, H.Zhang 2+4reb

Jiangxi - Hubei 98-89

Rather predictable result when sixth ranked Jiangxi (6-8) beat at home bottom-ranked Hubei (1-13) 98-89 on Monday. Strangely Hubei outrebounded Jiangxi 46-33 including 33 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Isaiah Briscoe (190-1996, college: Kentucky) who helped to win the game recording 35 points (!!!) and 5 assists and center Yixiong Wang (206-1998) who added 12 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Serbian center Dejan Bjelic (209-1990, agency: Octagon Europe) with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 14 rebounds and guard Xiaoming Wang (190-1995) scored 24 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Hubei's coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Jiangxi maintains sixth position with 6-8 record. Hubei lost fourth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 13 games lost. Jiangxi will meet at home higher ranked Hefei (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Hubei will play against the league's leader HK JinNiu (#1) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Jiangxi: B.Isaiah 35+2reb+5ast, F.Jr. Melvin 19+5reb+1ast, U.Robert 13+9reb+1ast, W.Yixiong 12+12reb+1ast, L.Yantao 6+2reb, L.Junwen 6+3ast
Hubei: W.Xiaoming 24+2reb+3ast, B.Dejan 17+14reb, L.Wantong 16+5reb+2ast, S.Yuzhuo 13+8reb, L.Zhenhao 7+2reb+2ast, X.Shiwei 7+11reb+3ast