One-up Beijing ends losing streak, Zhejiang holds off defending champion

Marbury clutched 31 points and 10 assists to help leader Beijing Ducks bid farewell to its three straight defeats with a 104-98 win over Jilin Northeast Tigers in the 18th round of the Chinese Basketball Association league (CBA) on Friday. Stephon Marbury delivered double-double with a game-high 31 points and 10 assists. Center Randolph Morris added 22 points and 10 rebounds but made six turnovers. Jameel Watkins led Jilin with 23 points, followed by Cartier Martin's 22 points. Beijing enjoyed a good start on 14-5 with captain Chenlei's three pointer before Cartier Martin got a hot hand, helping home team narrow the scoreline to 24-30 in the first quarter. Then they experienced a seesaw second and third period on 21-21 and 25-27 respectively. It couldn't tell untill the last two minutes and 50 seconds, when Marbury made a three-point play after Jilin closed it on 90-93. Then Beijing kept the 6-point advantage till the end. Oscar Boone asserted authority down the painted area with 29 points and 15 rebounds to lead Zhejiang Chouzhou hold off a late comback from defending champion Guangdong Hongyuan to secure a hard home win on 97:92. J.R. Smith scored 27 points for Zhejiang. Guangdong guard Aaron Brooks grabbed 20 points and 6 assists but 7 turnovers, one third of the whole team's. Frontcourt power James Singleton suffered a bad form with only 7 points and 9 rebounds. In Friday's other games, Dongguan Marco Polo eased past Bayi Fubang 115-96, Shandong Gold beat Foshan Long Lions 108-100, Shanxi Zhongyu hammered Fujian SBS 128-112, Shanghai Sharks defeated Qingdao Doublestars 69-63, Zhejiang Guangsha crushed Tianjin Ronggang 115-85, Jiangsu Dragons edged Liaoning Hengye 122-118.