CBA Roundup: four teams eye last two playoff berths with four rounds to go
Xinhua, February 10, 2017 Adjust font size:
Beijing is still hopeful of getting into the playoffs as the three-time champion beat Jilin 102-78 in the 34th round of the 2016-2017 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league action on Friday.
Two points in 24 minutes from Beijing's core star Stephon Marbury couldn't stop the former powerhouse' victory as four Beijing players reached double figures in the game.
Jilin, who was out of playoffs for sure, gained only nine points in the first quarter and failed to find a way to get nearer.
In addition to Beijing, the defending champion Sichuan edged Qingdao 101-100, still sharing the possibility for playoff position.
Leaders Shanghai beat Shandong 94-78, as Shanghai's Jimmer Fredette got the game-high 28 points and seven rebounds, and Guerschon Yabusele had 23 points and 12 rebounds. The vital defeat narrowed the gap between Shandong and the followers Beijing and Sichuan.
With four rounds to go, Shandong, Beijing, Sichuan and Jiangsu fought for the last two playoff berths theoretically.
Elsewhere on Friday, Xinjiang hammered Shanxi 129-94, Shenzhen beat Aolong 121-103, Jiangsu won over Tongxi 111-104, powerhouse Guangzhou defeated Zhejiang 114-112, Tianjin overpowered Liaoning 115-109, Fujian beat Bayi 108-105, and Guangdong tamed Guangsha 108-103. Endit