The 2004-2005 CBA regular season ended without surprise.
Jiangsu and Liaoning maintained their supremacy, standing on top
of the list in their respective Southern and Northern
Conferences.
The result has been obvious for several rounds with both teams
too strong to be toppled.
However, neither team was the favorite prior to the season.
Liaoning was struggling at the bottom, trying not to be
relegated from the league.
Jiangsu was not the favorite either, but they burst into the
scene with an incredible 20-winning streak.
They finished the regular season with a league best 35-3 and are
hot favorites for the league title.
Another big surprise this season was Yunnan, who made it to the
league's finals in their CBA debut.
The other finalists in the Southern Conference are defending
champion Guangdong and former champion the Army team.
Joining Liaoning in the Northern Conference are Beijing, Jilin
and Xinjiang.
The eight teams will start their quest for the league title next
Wednesday.
Final standings of CBA regular season
North Conference:
Teams Win Lose Points
1.Liaoning Hunters 29 9 67
2. Beijing Ducks 22 16 60
3. Xinjiang Guanghui 20 18 58
4. Jilin Northeast Tigers 19 19 57
5. Shanxi Dongsheng 12 26 50
6. Shandong Flaming Bulls 11 27 49
7. Henan Jigang?? 11 27 49
South Conference:
Teams Win Lose Points
1. Jiangsu Dragons 35 3 73
2. Guangdong Tigers 30 8 68
3. Bayi Rockets 24 14 62
4. Yunnan Honghe 22 16 60
5. Shanghai Sharks 12 26 50
6. Zhejiang Cyclones?? 11 27 49
7. Fujian Xunxing 8 30 46
League Leaders
Points: Tang Zhengdong (Jiangsu) 916
?
3-pointers: Yu Junkai (Yunnan) 139
?
Rebounds: Garth Joseph (Shaanxi) 664
?
Assists: Hu Xuefeng (Jiangsu) 259
?
Slams: Garth Joseph (Shaanxi) 76
?
Blocks: Samaki Walker (Zhejiang) 77
?
Steals: Hu Xuefeng (Jiangsu) 191
(CRI March 4, 2005)