The eight teams who have qualified to play the Chinese
Basketball Association's off-season matches were unveiled on
Sunday, with one more game to go in the regular stage.
Mighty Guangdong secured first place in the regular season after
defeating Jilin 111-88. They now have the privilege of playing
three home games in the best-of-five quarter-finals and
semifinals.
Yi Jianlian, reportedly eyed by the NBA side Boston Celtics,
scored 28 points and 10 rebounds in a perfect performance for
Guangdong. Teammate Zhu Fangyu executed three successful steals in
the game, taking his steal record to a total of 502 for his entire
CBA career and making him the 10th player in the league with a
record over 500.
The Bayi Rockets took second spot in the regular league
competitions after obliterating outsider Shaanxi 117-87. Jiangsu
placed third.
The Shanghai Sharks broke into the knockout round for the first
time since 2002 when the "little giant" Yao Ming was transferred to
the NBA's Houston Rockets.
Other teams rounding out in the quarterfinals include Liaoning
Hunters, Fujian Xunxing, Shandong Lions and Zhejiang Cyclones.
(Xinhua News Agency February 5, 2007)