XI'AN, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai Sharks defeated Fujian Sturgeon 124-89 in the last game of the regular season in the Chinese Basketball Association league (CBA) on Wednesday, taking the 12th place and entering the playoffs.
Shanghai led a 21-0 spurt at the beginning of the must-win match, throwing its fans into frenzy. Fujian who had secured a playoff ticket only earned nine points in the first quarter.
The home team kept firing in the second quarter, pulling itself back from the edge of the elimination. Fujian trailed by 30 points after the first half.
In the third quarter, Shanghai enlarged its advantage to 38 points and both teams sent in all local players in the final quarter.
Although Guangzhou Long Lions beat Jilin Northeast Tigers 136-108 and got a same record with Shanghai and Zhejiang Chouzhou, it had the worst head-to-head records among the three teams and failed to qualify to the playoffs.
Zhejiang was edged by Sichuan Blue Whale 119-114, but the team still settled for the 11th place of the regular season.
The regular season winner Guangdong Southeast Tigers downed Shenzhen Leopards 128-114. According to the rules, the title favorite will wait its next rival in the round of last eight. Shandong Golden Stars will face against Jiangsu Dragons in the first round playoffs, the series' winner will be Guangdong's next opponent.
In the other games played on Wednesday, Liaoning Flying Leopard beat Tianjin Gold Lion 119-95, Beijing Ducks won over Shanxi Guotou Loongs 120-109, Nanjing Tongxi Dasheng lost to Zhejiang Guangsha Lions 104-82, Bayi Rockets astonished Jiangsu 129-88, Shandong edged Beijing Aolong Fly Dragon 119-101, Xinjiang Flying Tigers defeated Qingdao Eagles 142-118.
