Yi Jianlian fires Guangdong Southern Tigers to CBA semifinals

The Guangdong Southern Tigers shot down the Qingdao Eagles 110-88 in the quarterfinals of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) playoffs in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on Sunday.

Yi Jianlian, the five-time CBA MVP winner, contributed a game-high 25 points and five rebounds before he was sent off the court by Guangdong coach Du Feng as he got injured in the fourth quarter.

Yi Jianlian (back) of the Guangdong Southern Tigers attempts to avoid the block from a player of the Qingdao Eagles during the CBA game in Qingdao, east China, August 2, 2020. /VCG

For the home team Qingdao Eagles, Wang Qingming collected 22 points, including six three-pointers from eight attempts. Jiao Hailong notched 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Zhao Tailong added 12 points.

"I can feel our players were playing with more concentration during the game, but it seemed some of them were indecisive when handling and passing the ball. We are in the playoffs now, I think the hesitation is a normal psychological and physical reaction from the pressure," said Du.

Yi Jianlian of the Guangdong Southern Tigers walks off the court after injuring his leg during the CBA game with Qingdao Eagles in Qingdao, east China, August 2, 2020. /VCG

"We had three more injuries after the last match, but all of our guys went all out today. I am satisfied with the achievement of this season, as we overcame a lot of difficulties," said Qingdao coach Wu Qinglong.

In Sunday's other CBA match, Beijing Ducks edged past Fujian Sturgeons 107-75 to set the match with Guangdong Southern Tigers in the later best-of-three semifinals.

(With input from Xinhua)