Sharks use late rally to beat Eagles
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Shanghai Daily, December 31, 2011
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Liu Wei of Shanghai Sharks made a jumper during a CBA game between Shanghai and Qingdao on Dec. 30, 2011. |
The Shanghai Sharks finished off the calendar year in typical style yesterday by salvaging a 69-63 victory against the Qingdao Eagles.
In a game of runs, Shanghai went on the final one, feeding off the home crowd's energy and using a 14-2 spurt to score a come-from-behind win.
Shanghai head coach Daniel Panaggio compared the game to getting his teeth pulled at the dentist office and admitted his team didn't play its best, but noted that sometimes the ball just bounces your way.
Case in point with Liu Wei's go-ahead basket that hit the back rim, bounced up and somehow found its way through the net. The Sharks were able to stop a dangerous Qingdao team from scoring in the last two minutes and held on for the victory.
Ryan-Forehan Kelly and Zhang Zhaoxu sealed the win with three free throws. Forehan-Kelly had made just one of his 11 shots, but stepped to the line and calmly sank two crucial free throws.
Mike Harris led the Sharks with 19 points and 14 rebounds, stepping up his play when his team most needed it. Zhang finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds and Liu had 16 points.
The Sharks held a dominate 41-23 halftime lead, going on a 14-2 run to start the game and holding Qingdao to just 24 percent shooting in the half. The suffocating defense cast the impression of an easy blowout against a lesser team.
But the Eagles came out aggressive after halftime running off 18 straight points as forward Li Gen got out in transition for some easy baskets.
The Sharks (9-8) have won 7 out of their last 8 games and find themselves with more wins than losses for the first time this season. They have lost just once at home this season and host the Shandong Lions tomorrow.
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