Brandon Paul (2nd left) and Tao Hanlin (front right) of Shandong Heroes celebrate during the 4th round match against Guangdong Southern Tigers at the 2022-2023 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, Oct19, 2022. (CHEN ZHENHAI / XINHUA)
HANGZHOU- Title contender the Shanghai Sharks was shocked by the Tianjin Pioneers 105-99, while the Shandong Heroes edged the Guangdong Southern Tigers 96-95 in overtime in the fourth round of the 2022-2023 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) here on Wednesday.
Shandong and Guangdong tied at 90-90 to enter overtime after an intense defensive game in regular time
Tianjin started off strong with a 12-4 run launched by Lin Tingqian to force Shanghai to call their first timeout. After the timeout, Shanghai remained flagged on both ends, and the gap was enlarged to 13 points at the end of the first quarter.
Melo Trimble and Ding Yanyuhang made 3-pointers in succession, helping the Sharks lead 61-55 to wrap up the first half.
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It was proven to be temporary insanity that poor offensive came back to Shanghai in the second half. Brandon Jefferson dominated the third quarter with 14 points, helping Tianjin to regain the lead. Although Trimble, Ding and Wang Zhelin struggled to pull back Shanghai in the last minutes of the game, Jefferson seemed unstoppable as his two astonishing 3-pointers sealed Tianjin's victory.
Jefferson scored a game-high 38 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Lin added 25 points and dished nine assists. On Shanghai's side, Trimble finished a triple-double with 36 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists.
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In another game, Shandong and Guangdong tied at 90-90 to enter overtime after an intense defensive game in regular time. In overtime, Brandon Paul and Chen Peidong's 3-pointers helped Shandong take the lead, but Marshon Brooks' crucial steal and layup helped Guangdong to narrow the deficit to one point. Brooks failed to make the float in the last seconds, and Shandong wrapped up the victory in the thrilling match.
Also on Wednesday, the Qingdao Eagles defeated the Sichuan Blue Whales 81-73.