National Games Group Stage - Xu Jie scores 19 points, Zhao Rui adds 16 points and 5 assists, Tao Hanlin records 22 points and 12 rebounds as Guangdong easily defeats Shandong

On November 4th, in the National Games group stage, Guangdong’s men’s basketball team played their first game against Shandong. After four quarters, Guangdong secured a straightforward 87-71 victory. Zhao Rui scored 16 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists; Xu Jie added 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists; Hu Mingxuan contributed 7 points along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists; He Xining scored 11 points. On Shandong’s side, Tao Hanlin put up 22 points and 12 rebounds; Wang Lanqin had 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists; Jiao Hailong scored 10 points with 7 rebounds; Li Xiangbo also contributed 10 points.

In the first quarter, both teams showed similar offensive efficiency. Guangdong played at a faster pace and with more decisiveness, generating more opportunities from free throws. Both Shen Zijie and Hu Mingxuan executed this strategy well. From beyond the arc, Guangdong shot 1 for 9 while Shandong made 1 of 2, resulting in comparable outcomes. This was one reason the score difference remained small. After leading 11-9, Shandong failed to score from open play, allowing Guangdong to go on a 9-0 run. Near the quarter’s end, Du Runwang finally hit Guangdong’s second three-pointer, putting them ahead 25-17. In the second quarter, although Shandong had fewer scoring options, relying on Tao Hanlin, Wang Lanqin, and Jiao Hailong as main attackers, they played more aggressively and effectively. By halftime, Shandong trailed Guangdong narrowly at 40-44.

In the second half, Zhao Rui combined drives and jump shots to score 7 consecutive points, helping Guangdong extend their lead to double digits. Despite Shandong playing well, their limited scoring sources caused them to falter during critical moments. Towards the end of the third quarter, Shandong attempted a 5-on-1 fast break but Ren Junfei blocked the shot solo and drew a foul. After three quarters, Guangdong led 69-53. In the final quarter, Guangdong opened with a 5-0 run forcing a timeout from Shandong and pushing the lead beyond 20 points. Shandong responded with a 7-0 run of their own to stop Guangdong’s momentum. After the timeout, Guangdong regained focus and maintained their lead to eventually win 87-71 over Shandong.