After a tense group-stage finale in the second CBA Club Cup on the Chinese mainland, the Shandong Kylins secured the last quarterfinal spot with a 100-93 victory over the Qingdao Eagles in Group A. The win completes the quartet of clubs advancing from the pool phase.
Jalen Powell broke the deadlock in the final quarter, sinking a corner three off a slick pass from Gao Shiyan to push Shandong ahead by eight. Moments later, Derek Purcell fed Powell for another clutch three, extending the lead to double digits and shifting momentum firmly in the Kylins’ favor.
The Eagles rallied when Joseph Young unleashed a long-range bomb to cut the deficit to one, before driving in for a lay-up en route to a game-high 32 points. Qingdao’s surge threatened to overturn the Kylins’ edge, but Marquese Chriss responded with a strong inside finish to rebuild a five-point margin.
A slip by Quinndary Weatherspoon led to a Purcell steal and lay-up, restoring a four-point cushion. Shandong kept control down the stretch, as Gao Shiyan iced the result with free throws in the closing moments. The Kylins’ 100-93 triumph sends a statement as they prepare for next week’s quarterfinals.
Shandong’s blend of sharpshooting and interior play underscores the growth of the CBA Club Cup, now in its second year. The Kylins will look to carry this balanced attack into the knockout phase, where the competition steps up in intensity. Quarterfinal matchups and dates will be announced shortly, setting the stage for a high-stakes run towards the tournament crown.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
