CBA Round 34 (Regular Season): Shanghai defeats Guangdong ST in the game between Top 4 teams

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

An interesting game for Sharks (27-4) which hosted in Shanghai 4th ranked Guandong Tigers (20-11). First ranked Sharks had an easy win 97-81. Shanghai dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Guandong Tigers's 30 and made 20-of-21 free shots (95.2 percent) during the game. Shanghai outrebounded Guangdong ST 49-25 including a 34-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shanghai looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Shanghai made 8 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Hassan Whiteside (213-1989, college: Marshall) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 14 points, 26 rebounds and 4 blocks. The former international guard Hongquan Li (198-2001) contributed with 14 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Cui Yongxi (196-2003) replied with 14 points for Guangdong ST. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sharks have an impressive 12-game winning streak. Shanghai maintains first position with 27-4 record. Guangdong ST at the other side keeps the fourth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Beijing D. and Shenzhen L.. Shanghai are looking forward to face Shanxi L. (#11) in Taiyuan in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Guangdong ST will play at home against Sichuan (#20) and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Bottom-ranked Blue Whales is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 31th consecutive match to third ranked Heroes (20-10) 116-83. Trinidad and Tobago-American swingman Devaughn Akoon-Purcell (196-1993, college: Illinois St.) scored 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Keyontae Johnson chipped in 21 points and 7 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) during the contest. At the losing side Senegalese forward Khadim Sy (208-1997, college: Wake Forest) responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Heroes have a solid three-game winning streak. Shandong H. maintains third position with 20-10 record having eight points less than leader Shanghai S. Sichuan at the other side still closes the standings. Shandong H. will play against Xinjiang (#15) in Urumqi in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Sichuan will play on the road against Guangdong ST (#6) in Dongguan and hopes to get finally their first victory.
A very close game took place in Guangzhou between Loong Lions and Loongs. Fourteenth ranked Loong Lions (13-17) got a very close home victory over 11th ranked Loongs (16-15). Loong Lions managed to escape with a 1-point win 99-98 on Monday evening. Lindell Wigginton notched 31 points and 4 assists to lead the effort. Even 21 points and 6 assists by Kyle Guy did not help to save the game for Shanxi L.. Loongs' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Guangzhou moved-up to thirteenth place. Loser Loongs dropped to the ninth position with 15 games lost. They share it with Liaoning and Ningbo R.. Guangzhou will meet at home higher ranked Qingdao E. (#7) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Shanxi L. will play against the league's leader Shanghai having rather not much hope for a victory.

Other games in round 34 were not that significant. Zhejiang GB. was beaten by Beijing on the road 98-90. Fujian S. won against Qingdao E. on its own court 86-77. Beijing D. unfortunately lost to Jilin NE T. in Changchun 86-88. Liaoning managed to beat Nanjing at home 92-89. Xinjiang was crushed by Ningbo R. on the opponent's court 84-63. Shenzhen L. smashed Jiangsu D. in a home game 104-84. Guangsha L. won against Tianjin P. on the road 102-95.
The most impressive performance of 34th round was 32 points and 5 rebounds by Jinqiu Hu of Guangsha L..



Beijing RF - Zhejiang GB. 98-90

There was a small surprise when twelfth ranked Royal Fighters (14-17) beat 10th ranked Golden Bulls (17-14) in Beijing 98-90 on Monday. Beijing dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Golden Bulls's 38 and made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. Beijing had a 30-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. American Grant Riller (189-1997, college: Charleston) notched 46 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds to lead the effort and international guard Sanning Liao (189-2001) supported him with 15 points and 6 assists. Even 27 points by international Shuaipeng Cheng (191-1999) did not help to save the game for Zhejiang GB.. American power forward Dakari Johnson (213-1995, college: Kentucky) added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Beijing maintains twelfth position with 14-17 record. Loser Golden Bulls dropped to the eighth place with 14 games lost. Beijing will meet at home Nanjing (#17) in the next round where they are favorite. Zhejiang GB. will play against Beijing D. (#4) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Zhejiang GB.: C.Shuaipeng 27+3reb+3ast, L.Wenbo 14+4reb, J.Dakari 12+5reb+4ast, R.Brandon 12+3reb, J.Damian 9+3reb, A.Andrew 5+2reb+3ast
Beijing RF: G.Riller 46+5reb+1ast, S.Liao 15+4reb+6ast, R.Perry 11+7reb+5ast, Z.Shen 10+5reb, Y.Zou 8+3reb, S.Zhu 8+8reb+1ast

Fujian S. - Qingdao E. 86-77

There was an upset when higher ranked Eagles (18-13) lost to fifteenth ranked Sturgeons (12-19) in Jinjiang 77-86 on Monday. Fujian S. made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. American point guard QJ Peterson (183-1994, college: VMI, agency: JCK Sports Group) notched 26 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and French power forward Yoan Makoundou (207-2000) supported him with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Even a double-double of 20 points and 19 rebounds by American power forward Jordan Mickey (203-1994, college: LSU) did not help to save the game for Qingdao E.. His fellow American import guard Quinndary Weatherspoon (190-1996, college: MSU) added 25 points and 4 assists for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Fujian S. maintains fifteenth position with 12-19 record, which they share with Xinjiang. Loser Eagles keeps the seventh place with 13 games lost. Fujian S. will meet higher ranked Ningbo R. (#9) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Qingdao E. will play against Guangzhou and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Qingdao E.: W.Quinndary 25+2reb+4ast, M.Jordan 20+19reb+2ast, W.Ruize 12+5reb+2ast, J.Zhao 10+5reb+1ast, D.Angjun 4+5reb+1ast, L.Weikai 2
Fujian S.: Q.Peterson 26+8reb+5ast, Y.Makoundou 18+6reb, Y.Zou 14+8reb+2ast, Y.Li 13+3reb+4ast, I.Briscoe 7+2reb+1ast, J.Liu 4

Guangzhou LL - Shanxi L. 99-98

A very close game took place in Guangzhou between Loong Lions and Loongs. Fourteenth ranked Loong Lions (13-17) got a very close home victory over 11th ranked Loongs (16-15). Loong Lions managed to escape with a 1-point win 99-98 on Monday evening. Guangzhou made 24-of-28 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Canadian guard Lindell Wigginton (185-1998, college: Iowa St.) notched 31 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and American Justin Holiday (198-1989, college: Washington) supported him with 24 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Even 21 points and 6 assists by American point guard Kyle Guy (188-1997, college: Virginia) did not help to save the game for Shanxi L.. International Ning Zhang (192-1997) added 20 points for lost side. Four Guangzhou and five Shanxi L. players scored in double figures. Loongs' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Guangzhou moved-up to thirteenth place. Loser Loongs dropped to the ninth position with 15 games lost. They share it with Liaoning and Ningbo R.. Guangzhou will meet at home higher ranked Qingdao E. (#7) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Shanxi L. will play against the league's leader Shanghai having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Shanxi L.: G.Kyle 21+1reb+6ast, Z.Ning 20+4reb+2ast, L.Chuanxing 11+7reb, K.Marcos 11+1reb+6ast, F.Ibrahima 10+5reb, Y.Saidake 10+5reb
Guangzhou LL: L.Wigginton 31+1reb+4ast, J.Holiday 24+3reb+2ast, X.Xin 12+9reb+1ast, G.Chen 10+1reb+3ast, D.Burton 6+5reb+3ast, X.Zhang 6+2ast

Jilin NE T. - Beijing D. 88-86

There was a surprise result when twelfth ranked Jilin Tigers (13-18) edged higher ranked Ducks (20-11) in Changchun 88-86 on Monday. Jilin NE T. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The former international point guard Weize Jiang (182-2000) notched a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 assists to lead the effort and American forward DJ Wilson (208-1996, college: Michigan) supported him with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Even 20 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists by Taiwanese point guard Ray Chen (182-1993, college: Liberty) did not help to save the game for Beijing D.. The former international Rui Zhao (195-1996) added 10 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists for lost side. Four Jilin NE T. and five Beijing D. players scored in double figures. Ducks' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Despite that victory Jilin NE T. went down to fourteenth position due to points difference. Loser Ducks dropped to the fourth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Guangdong ST and Shenzhen L.. Jilin NE T. will meet at home higher ranked Liaoning (#10) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Beijing D. will play against Zhejiang GB. (#8) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Beijing D.: C.Ray 20+5reb+9ast, Z.Qi 16+6reb, S.Omari 14+4reb, B.Jr Victor 12+5reb, Z.Rui 10+6reb+8ast, M.Javale 8+2reb+1ast
Jilin NE T.: W.Jiang 26+2reb+10ast, D.Wilson 17+8reb+3ast, D.Moore 15+3reb+3ast, L.Yanyu 11+5reb+1ast, L.Licheng 8+2reb+1ast, F.Zeng 8+6reb+4ast

Liaoning FL - Nanjing MK 92-89

Not a big story in a game when 16th ranked Monkey Kings (11-20) were edged by ninth ranked Flying Leopards (16-15) in Yingkou 92-89 on Monday. However just three-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Liaoning looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Liaoning made 8 blocks. American power forward Eric Moreland (208-1991, college: Oregon St.) notched a double-double by scoring 10 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks to lead the effort and the other American import guard Izaiah Brockington (193-1999, college: Iowa St.) supported him with 23 points. Even 15 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists by the former international swingman Haowen Guo (201-2000) did not help to save the game for Nanjing. American point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright (180-1995, college: Arizona) added 14 points and 7 assists for lost side. Four Liaoning and five Nanjing players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Liaoning maintains ninth position with 16-15 record, which they share with Ningbo R. and Shanxi L. Loser Monkey Kings dropped to the seventeenth place with 20 games lost. Liaoning will meet Jilin NE T. (#14) in the next round where they are favorite. Nanjing will play against Beijing and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nanjing MK: M.Akol 19+5reb, G.Haowen 15+6reb+8ast, M.Brady 15+4reb+1ast, J.Parker 14+3reb+7ast, Z.Baiqing 12+10reb+1ast, W.Tingjia 6+2ast
Liaoning FL: I.Brockington 23+1reb+3ast, J.Zhao 11+1reb+11ast, H.Fu 10+3reb+2ast, E.Moreland 10+16reb+2ast, J.Yuxing 9+2reb, Y.Shouqi 7+1ast

Ningbo R. - Xinjiang FT 84-63

Everything went according to plan when eighth ranked Rockets (16-15) outplayed 17th ranked Flying Tigers (12-19) in Ningbo 84-63 on Monday. American point guard Zavier Simpson (183-1997, college: Michigan) notched 23 points and 9 assists (made all of his twelve free throws !!!) to lead the effort and Senegalese center Tacko Fall (231-1995, college: UCF) supported him with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Even 15 points and 5 rebounds by American-Lebanese power forward Dedric Lawson (206-1997, college: Kansas) did not help to save the game for Xinjiang. American guard Zach Nutall (190-1999, college: SMU) added 11 points and 5 assists for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Despite that victory Ningbo R. went down to ninth position due to points difference, which they share with Liaoning and Shanxi L. Xinjiang lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifteenth place with 19 games lost. They share the position with Fujian S.. Ningbo R. will meet at home Fujian S. (#16) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Xinjiang will play against Shandong H. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Xinjiang FT: L.Dedric 15+5reb+2ast, N.Zach 11+4reb+5ast, M.Sam 9+9reb+2ast, A.Abudurexiti 7+4reb+1ast, Q.Xiaoyu 6+6reb, R.Yang 5+1reb+2ast
Ningbo R.: Z.Simpson 23+4reb+9ast, F.Jackson 13+2reb, T.Fall 12+7reb, H.Dai 8+5reb+2ast, F.Wang 7+1reb+2ast, D.Bazley 6+3reb+1ast

Shanghai S. - Guangdong ST 97-81

An interesting game for Sharks (27-4) which hosted in Shanghai 4th ranked Guandong Tigers (20-11). First ranked Sharks had an easy win 97-81. Shanghai dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Guandong Tigers's 30 and made 20-of-21 free shots (95.2 percent) during the game. Shanghai outrebounded Guangdong ST 49-25 including a 34-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shanghai looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Shanghai made 8 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Hassan Whiteside (213-1989, college: Marshall) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 14 points, 26 rebounds and 4 blocks. The former international guard Hongquan Li (198-2001) contributed with 14 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Five Sharks players scored in double figures. The former international guard Cui Yongxi (196-2003) replied with 14 points and the former international point guard Jie Xu (181-2000) added 14 points in the effort for Guangdong ST. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sharks have an impressive 12-game winning streak. Shanghai maintains first position with 27-4 record. Guangdong ST at the other side keeps the fourth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Beijing D. and Shenzhen L.. Shanghai are looking forward to face Shanxi L. (#11) in Taiyuan in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Guangdong ST will play at home against Sichuan (#20) and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Guangdong ST: Y.Cui 14+4reb+1ast, X.Jie 14+1reb+3ast, S.Edmond 13+3reb+1ast, Q.Trevelin 8+3reb+4ast, H.Mingxuan 8+4reb+2ast, B.Jiao 6+5reb
Shanghai S.: H.Whiteside 14+26reb+1ast, B.Goodwin 14+1reb+5ast, Z.Liu 14+5reb+3ast, H.Li 14+8reb+1ast, Z.Zhang 14+3reb+4ast, J.Lofton 11+3reb+4ast

Sichuan BW - Shandong H. 83-116

Bottom-ranked Blue Whales is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 31th consecutive match to third ranked Heroes (20-10) 116-83. Shandong H. dominated down low during the game scoring 76 of its points in the paint compared to Blue Whales's 52. Shandong H. players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Sichuan's players. Trinidad and Tobago-American swingman Devaughn Akoon-Purcell (196-1993, college: Illinois St.) scored 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American forward Keyontae Johnson (195-1999, college: Kansas St.) chipped in 21 points and 7 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) during the contest. At the losing side Senegalese forward Khadim Sy (208-1997, college: Wake Forest) responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds and forward Wenxue Yang (205-1999) scored 17 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who 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. Heroes have a solid three-game winning streak. Shandong H. maintains third position with 20-10 record having eight points less than leader Shanghai S. Sichuan at the other side still closes the standings. Shandong H. will play against Xinjiang (#15) in Urumqi in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Sichuan will play on the road against Guangdong ST (#6) in Dongguan and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Sichuan BW: J.Hanyi 18+1reb+2ast, S.Khadim 18+6reb, L.Zhang 17+5reb+1ast, Y.Wenxue 17+6reb+1ast, Z.Rui 5+1ast, L.Weihao 4+1reb+1ast
Shandong H.: K.Johnson 21+7ast, D.Akoon-Purcell 19+6reb+4ast, L.Chen 18+2reb+1ast, S.Killeya-Jones 13+3reb+2ast, H.Tao 12+6reb, P.Chen 9+1reb

Shenzhen L. - Jiangsu D. 104-84

There was no surprise when 19th ranked Jiangsu Dragons (9-22) were outleveled by sixth ranked Leopards (20-11) in Shenzhen 104-84 on Tuesday. Shenzhen L. shot 60.9 percent from the field. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The former international Xining He (195-1997) notched 31 points (on 13-of-15 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and American Alize Johnson (206-1996, college: Missouri St.) supported him with 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Even 23 points and 9 rebounds by American forward Harry Giles III (208-1998, college: Duke) did not help to save the game for Jiangsu D.. His fellow American import forward Feron Hunt (203-1999, college: SMU) added 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for lost side. Five Shenzhen L. and four Jiangsu D. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Leopards have an impressive six-game winning streak. Shenzhen L. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Beijing D. and Guangdong ST. Loser Jiangsu Dragons dropped to the eighteenth position with 22 games lost. They share it with Tianjin P.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Jiangsu D.: G.III Harry 23+9reb+2ast, H.Feron 19+6reb+4ast, S.T.J. 12+2reb+2ast, J.Haoran 10+4reb, P.Zhenglin 8+3ast, L.Zexi 5+1reb+4ast
Shenzhen L.: X.He 31+4reb+2ast, A.Johnson 20+6reb, T.Smith 13+2reb+6ast, M.Johnson 13+2reb+6ast, H.Wang 10+2reb+3ast, H.Sun 7+2reb+1ast

Tianjin P. - Guangsha L. 95-102

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Guangsha Lions (26-5) beat 18th ranked Pioneers (9-22) in Tianjin 102-95 on Tuesday. Guangsha L. made 24-of-28 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game, while Tianjin P. only scored seven points from the stripe. Guangsha L. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American guard Rayjon Tucker (191-1997, college: UALR) notched a triple-double by scoring 28 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists to lead the effort and the former international center Jinqiu Hu (211-1997) supported him with 32 points and 5 rebounds (on 13-of-15 shooting from the field). Even 23 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals by Taiwanese guard Benson Lin (193-1999, college: Bryant) did not help to save the game for Tianjin P.. Forward Haoran Zheng (198-1999) added 19 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Five Guangsha L. and four Tianjin P. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Guangsha Lions have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with 26-5 record behind leader Shanghai S. Tianjin P. lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the eighteenth place with 22 games lost. They share the position with Jiangsu D.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Tianjin P.: L.Benson 23+5reb+8ast, Z.Haoran 19+5reb+3ast, Y.Tian 15+2reb, J.Jr. Scottie 13+4reb+2ast, C.Kevin 9+5reb+1ast, Q.Jiang 5+1reb+4ast
Guangsha L.: J.Hu 32+5reb+2ast, R.Tucker 28+10reb+14ast, N.Lin 11+1reb+1ast, J.Sampson 11+7reb+1ast, J.Zhao 10+4reb+3ast, J.Zhu 6+2reb+3ast