Shandong beat Jiangsu 90-85 to end two-game losing streak in CBA

QINGDAO, China - Five players netted double-digit points to help Shandong Heroes defeat Jiangsu Dragons 90-85 in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) here on Wednesday.

After Jiangsu defeated Shandong two days ago, Shandong needed a win. Shandong started an 8-0 scoring run at the beginning. Both sides fell short in scoring as Shandong finished the first period 17-16.

Antonio Blakeney of Jiangsu posted 16 points in the second period, leading the team to a 43-41 comeback before the break.

As the game restarted, Tao Hanlin and Zhang Qingpeng of Shandong worked hand in hand to pull back the lead. Shandong once had a 10-point lead and the third quarter ended with 70-61.

Jiangsu managed to cut the deficit to four points. Zhang Hui of Shandong sealed the victory with a 3-pointer.

"I am satisfied with my players. Luck is not on our side, as our center Liu Wei suffered an injury, and we cannot contain Tao Hanlin. We also get fewer rebounds," said Jiangsu coach Memi Becirovic.

Antonio Blakeney had a game-high 31 points, and his teammate Huang Rongqi added 20 points. Tao Hanlin collected 17 points and 14 rebounds.

"We need to play fast and efficiently. Besides, we need a key player on the pitch," said Gong Xiaobin, coach of Shandong.