CHN - Guangdong open play-offs with sweep

GUANGZHOU (CBA) - Guangdong completed a three-game sweep of Shanghai in the first round of the CBA play-offs with a 95-82 victory on Wednesday.

A haul of 32 points and 17 rebounds from Yi Jianlian helped Guangdong through to the semi-finals, with Jason Dixon contrbuting 23 points and 13 rebounds.

After going 26-20 up in the first quarter, Shanghai crumbled in the second and never recovered from a 46-39 half-time defecit.
Jermaine Dearman led Shanghai with 23 points.

The other three ties are are poised at 2-1 and will need at least a fourth game, to be played on Friday.

Jiangsu hold the advantage over Shandong after a 118-105 win in the third game.

Dixon Carlos scored 34 points for the winners and Tang Zhengdong 26, but it was tough luck on Shandong`s Herve Lamizana, whose 45 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocks were in vain.

Jiangsu went ahead 27-20 in the first quarter and their lead was never challenged.

Wang Zhizhi`s 33 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists helped Bayi nose ahead of Zhejiang with a 106-93 victory.

For the losers, Lorenzo Coleman grabbed 22 rebounds to go with his 22 points.

In the final tie, Fujian are one win from progressing after seeing off Liaoning 91-81 in the third game of the series.

Chris Porter was their star performer, collecting 22 points and 18 rebounds, while Patrick Simpson led for the losers with 26 points.

Joseph Chen
FIBA