Published: 09:59, May 10, 2024
Xinjiang eliminates Zhejiang to reach CBA finals
By Xinhua
Cheng Shuaipeng (right) of the Zhejiang Golden Bulls runs with the ball during a game of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in Shaoxing, China's Zhejiang province, on May 9, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING - The Xinjiang Flying Tigers eased past the Zhejiang Golden Bulls 108-95 to clinch a 3-1 victory in the best-of-five Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) semifinals on Thursday.

Xinjiang withstood its star guard Zhao Rui's absence through injury to establish a 14-point lead as the first quarter expired, indicating its determination to seal the series win on the road, while Zhejiang was troubled by its low free-throw percentage throughout the game.

Dominique Jones' 3-pointers and assists helped Xinjiang enlarge the advantage to over 20 points in the last quarter.

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On the Zhejiang side, promising center Yu Jiahao was the most stable player with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Jarmar Gulley added 16 points

Jones pocketed a game-high 34 points, along with seven rebounds and six assists. Regular season MVP Abdusalam Abdurexit contributed 16 points and 15 rebounds, and Qi Lin nailed three 3-pointers for 14 points.

"Respect to Zhejiang, an indomitable team. We never gave up and fought for every chance. The victory also belongs to Zhao Rui," Xinjiang's head coach Qiu Biao said after the game.

On the Zhejiang side, promising center Yu Jiahao was the most stable player with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Jarmar Gulley added 16 points.

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Xinjiang now awaits the winner between the Liaoning Flying Leopards and the Guangdong Southern Tigers, who will put on their decisive Game 5 on Saturday.