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February 11, 2012

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Sharks survive scare for playoffs

IT wasn't always pretty but the Shanghai Sharks made it past the lowly Jiangsu Dragons yesterday 103-83, locking up a playoff spot in the process.

Once again star forward Mike Harris dominated the game with an incredible effort, scoring 34 points and grabbing 28 rebounds.

Jiangsu did have the crowd worried, especially early in the fourth quarter as it cut a double-digit lead to just seven and seized the momentum. But Harris came through in the clutch, hitting two three-pointers to put the game out of reach and sending the crowd into a frenzy as they could sense their postseason dreams coming true.

Shanghai head coach Daniel Panaggio said later that he would treat himself to a nice dinner.

With the win and a few key losses from other contenders, the Sharks (17-13) move into 5th place. Xinjiang (17-13) lost to Guangdong dropping it to the 6th spot. Meanwhile Guangsha (17-13) defeated neighbor Zhejiang and moved up to the 7th, while Zhejiang (15-15) now needs some help to make the playoffs from eighth seeded Fujian (17-14).

Playing the league's worst team which had yet to record a road win, the Sharks were startled when Jiangsu came out aggressive. Jackson Vroman was masterful in initiating the offense from the center spot with three assists, kicking out to shooters Yang Li and Hu Xuefeng. Jiangsu hit 6 of 9 three-pointers in the quarter and took a comfortable 27-19 lead.

With Vroman on the bench in the second quarter the Jiangsu offense stalled and Shanghai climbed into the game thanks to long distance makes from Peng Fei. The Sharks then opened up an 11-2 run to end the half, getting out in transition and securing a four-point lead.

Marcus Landry finished with 22 points and 4 three-pointers for Shanghai. Vroman had 26 points and 18 rebounds of his own but committed 7 turnovers.

Shanghai plays Beijing Ducks on Sunday.


 

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