The Qingdao Eagles cruised past the Shandong Heroes 119-102 to secure a place in the playoffs, while the Zhejiang Golden Bulls edged the Zhejiang Lions 93-81 in the penultimate round of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league on Tuesday.
Marial Shayok (1st R) of Shandong Heroes dribbles during the 51st round match between Qingdao Eagles and Shandong Heroes at the 2023-2024 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)
Qingdao established an advantage of over 20 points in the third quarter, which led to their final victory. Marial Shayok had 30 points for Shandong, followed by 20 from Gao Shiyan.
Myles Powell pocketed 31 points and 14 assists for Qingdao. Promising center Yang Hansen had 17 points and 12 rebounds, showing his dominating power in the paint. Rookie Duan Angjun added 20 points.
"We did a good job in protecting the rebounds, which led us to the final win," said Qingdao head coach Liu Weiwei afterwards.
In the day's other derby, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls pocketed their 11th consecutive win. Lu Wenbo's vital 3-pointers and Wang Yibo's key steal in the last moment helped the Golden Bulls seal the victory.
Six Golden Bulls players hit double digits, with Lu Wenbo leading with 17. Hu Jinqiu contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Lions.
"It was a narrow win. We need to make up for our shortcomings and get ready for the coming playoffs," said Golden Bulls coach Wang Shilong.
Also on Tuesday, the Guangdong Southern Tigers beat the Nanjing Monkey Kings 110-93, the Shanxi Loongs overcame the Beijing Ducks 102-94, the Guangzhou Loong Lions defeated the Fujian Sturgeons 103-88, the Beijing Royal Fighters triumphed over the Jilin Northeast Tigers 125-109, the Ningbo Rockets lost to the Liaoning Flying Leopards 116-102, and the Xinjiang Flying Tigers smashed the Tianjin Pioneers 121-103.