By Jordan Delp

Jordan Delp is a men’s basketball player at Augustana. He is blogging about the team’s trip to China. For more posts about the Vikings’ journey, click here.

“4-0” has a nice ring to it, and that’s how we finished on our China basketball tour after defeating Qinghua University 68-58. It was the most challenging game on our trip, and after playing poorly in the first half, we really responded as a team in the second, pulling together when it mattered most.

The atmosphere was the complete opposite of the last game, as we played in front of a crowd of three people — Coach Jessee’s wife Bonnie, and Dr. and Mrs. Moline. The facility was actually pretty nice, and will be used next year for Olympic teams practice facilities. Because the Olympic Committee has control over the venue, we did not have many of the usual things we play with like a scoreboard, shot clock, etc. There were about four lights on in the gym, but we pride ourselves on being able to perform anyplace, anytime and under any conditions.

We played well down the stretch and were able to finish undefeated. It was the second straight international trip where the Augustana men’s basketball program was undefeated. After going 5-0 in Ireland in 2004 we now have a winning streak of nine straight outside of the United States. In all it was a good ending to a great trip.

Changing gears, we finally had a day to rest up a little bit and sleep in. After getting up and eating breakfast at about 9 a.m., we got on the bus and headed for the Silk Street Market to get some shopping done. Driving habits are a little different here (first person into the spot gets it, and no one really gets mad at what we would consider “cutting” a car off), and unfortunately on the way we hit a taxi. That slowed us down temporarily, but once we got there it was a good time. This was another one of those places where we could bargain with the salespeople. There was pretty much everything you can imagine at this market. Items ranging from designer clothing to Chinese trinkets, entertainment equipment (XBox 360, PS3, etc.) to Jordan apparel, and so on. Everybody was able to get a lot of cool stuff, and it was a lot of fun for our guys. The atmosphere at these markets is unlike anything we have in the states, with the salespeople sometimes literally blocking the exits if you don’t buy anything. Some unbelievable stuff that probably just wouldn’t fly in the states.

I forgot to mention that we had a chance to briefly stop at the 2008 Olympic facility yesterday. Much of it is yet to be completed, but the architecture on what is done is unbelievable. One of the more interesting parts was the (outdoor) Olympic stadium, and we were able to get a pretty unique team picture in front of it. Wait until you see the stadium, then you’ll know what I’m talking about. Tomorrow is our last day in Beijing, and we are going to the Great Wall of China. Should be an awesome sight, and its something we are all definitely looking forward to seeing. More on that tomorrow.