China

Teams qualify for CBA off-season

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-02-05 09:23

Yi Jianlian goes for the ball against player of JIlin NBA Jilin during the CBA off-season match on Feb 4, 2007. [Xinhua]

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 play-offs 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 the whole of his CBA career and making him the 10th player in the league with a record over 500.

Bayi took second spot in the regular league competitions after nailing outsider Shaanxi 117-87. Jiangsu placed third.

Shanghai 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 to compete in the quarterfinals include Liaoning, Fujian, Shandong and Zhejiang.