JINAN, China, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese international Ding Yanyuhang scored 27 points, helping Shandong complete their 3-0 sweep of Jiangsu with a 127-104 home win here on Sunday and allowing them a comfortable rest before the semifinals of 2017-2018 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) playoffs.
With a 2-0 lead on aggregate, Shandong didn't give any chance to Jiangsu as they got the upper hand from the start and kept the lead till the end, thanks to high accuracy, more 3-pointers and rebounds.
"We are happy to make semifinals. Thanks to everyone, and we have to forget this series tomorrow and try to make more happiness," said Serbian coach Aleksandar Kesar of Shandong.
All players of Shandong had their points, and the whole team fired 18 three-pointers and grabbed 49 rebounds, while Ding shot 6 three-pointers. Donatas Motiejunas contributed 29 points and 13 rebounds.
It's the first time after 2013 for Shandong to back to the league semifinals.
Miroslav Radulica scored 25 points to lead Jiangsu, and Chen Lei added 21 points.
Memi Becirovic, head coach of Jiangsu, said that Shandong were a better team, and deserved the semifinals.
"We also had a great season, surpassing our expectations. Some may be disappointed at our playoffs, but do remember we ranked fifth in regular season," said Becirovic, who also wished Shandong good luck in semifinals.
During the best-of-seven semifinals, Shandong will face the winners of the series between Guangsha and Shenzhen.
