CBA: Xinjiang edges Nanjing, Zhejiang levels with Qingdao in Playoffs

The Xinjiang Flying Tigers eliminated the Nanjing Monkey Kings, while the Zhejiang Golden Bulls tied their series with the Qingdao Eagles, following Monday's games in their best-of-three first round series in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Playoffs.

All five Xinjiang starters scored in double digits as the Flying Tigers edged the Monkey Kings 113-108 to clinch the series 2-0.

Loudly backed by the home fans, Nanjing opened the game with intense defensive pressure, forcing turnovers from Xinjiang, which was missing injured core guard Zhao Rui and key rotation center Li Yanzhe.

The Flying Tigers turned the tide in the third quarter, however, with a barrage of 3-pointers. The visitors hit 10 of 13 shots from beyond the arc to take a nine-point lead into the final period. Facing elimination, the Monkey Kings launched a late comeback, but last season's league runners-up held off the postseason debutants with strong defensive rebounding to secure the win.

Dedric Lawson led Xinjiang with 24 points, while Qi Lin contributed 18. Lin Wei paced Nanjing with 24 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists, while Zeng Fanri added 17 points and eight rebounds.

In other action, Damian Jones recorded a dominant double-double of 24 points and 18 rebounds to lead Zhejiang to a 104-81 victory over Qingdao, leveling their series at 1-1. Young prospect Yang Hansen fouled out early in the fourth quarter for the Eagles, finishing with just two points and four rebounds in 24 minutes.

Xinjiang will face the Liaoning Flying Leopards in the quarterfinals, while Qingdao will host Zhejiang in a decisive Game Three, with the winner advancing to meet the top-seeded Guangsha Lions.