CHN - Jiangsu climb to top in CBA

BEIJING (CBA) - Jiangsu are the new leaders in the CBA following a 121-100 victory over Shanxi Hansi in the 16th round of competition.

The two teams were evenly matched throughout much of the contest with Jiangsu holding a narrow 82-78 advantage heading into the final quarter.

But the hosts pulled away in the final 10 minutes thanks to a stunning 38 points and 21 rebounds from Tang Zhengdong.

Crump Brandon poured in 36 points for Hansi but it was not enough to stave off defeat.

Jiangsu improved their record to 13-2 and took top spot from Guangdong, who suffered their third defeat of the season with an 86-83 loss at third-placed Bayi.

A strong first quarter had helped Guangdong open up a 42-39 lead at half-time, but the defending champions collapsed in the third period, scoring just 11 points to Bayi’s 21.

And although they battled hard to make amends in the final quarter, they ran out of time as Bayi held on for the victory.

Mo Ke led all scorers for Bayi with 24 points while Jason Dixon totalled 21 points and 18 rebounds for Guangdong in a losing cause. 

Yunnan remain at the bottom of the table after a heavy 98-75 loss at the hands of Zhejiang Wanma.

A game-high 27 points from Soumaila Samake helped the home team on their way with Yu Junkai providing Yunnan’s best figures with 21 points.

God Shammgod’s 27 points proved in vain as a 113-92 defeat against Jilin ensure Shanxi Zhongyu continue to struggle at the wrong end of the standings with a 2-14 record.

And Xinjiang also failed to improve their precarious position after Shandong ran out 108-86 winners in their match-up - Herve Lamizana contributing 24 points and 17 rebounds for the hosts.

In other games, Dongguan edged Zhejiang Guangsha 111-108, Fujian overcame Shanghai 110-105 and Liaoning slipped to a 109-105 loss at Beijing.

PA Sport