The second CBA Club Cup group stage came to a close with an intense matchup as the Shandong Kylins clinched the final quarterfinal spot by defeating the Qingdao Eagles 100 to 93 in Group A. The victory capped off a competitive round of games played across multiple host cities and set the stage for the tournament’s knockout phase.
The game saw several momentum shifts before Shandong established control in the final minutes. Gao Shiyan played a key role in orchestrating the offense, setting up Jalen Powell for a crucial corner three that pushed Shandong ahead by eight points. Moments later, Derek Purcell connected with Powell again in nearly the same spot, extending the lead to double digits. Powell’s accuracy from the perimeter helped carry Shandong through a tense stretch as Qingdao mounted a determined comeback.
Qingdao’s Joseph Young delivered one of the standout performances of the night, answering with a deep three that narrowed the gap. He went on to score a game high 32 points, using quick drives and confident long range shooting to keep Qingdao in contention. His lay up later brought the deficit down to a single point, putting pressure back on Shandong.
Shandong responded with composure as Marquese Chriss added a lay up that widened the lead once more. A costly mistake from Quinndary Weatherspoon led to a turnover that Purcell quickly converted into a fast break score, restoring a four point cushion. As the clock wound down, Gao Shiyan sealed the game with decisive playmaking and defensive stability, securing Shandong’s 100 to 93 win and their place in the quarterfinals.
The conclusion of the group stage on Monday also finalized the full lineup for the next round. Games were hosted across four cities, each producing tight competition. In Changsha, the Guangsha Lions finished first in Group A and earned a matchup against the Jilin Northeast Tigers, who placed second in Group C. In Wuhan, the Shanxi Loongs claimed the top position in Group D and will now meet the Beikong Royal Fighters, who finished second in Group B.
In Nanchang, defending champions the Shanghai Sharks topped Group B and were drawn against the Guangdong Southern Tigers, one of the most decorated clubs in CBA history with eleven league titles. Meanwhile, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls finished first in Group C in Nanning and are set to face the Shandong Kylins in what is expected to be one of the most competitive quarterfinal matchups.
The knockout stage of the tournament is scheduled to begin on February 6 in Hohhot in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Teams are preparing for a demanding series of elimination games that will determine who advances toward the CBA Club Cup title.
