Liu Zeyi scored a game-high 26 points as the Zhejiang Golden Bulls upset the Guangzhou Loong Lions 113-100 to win the best-of-three CBA quarterfinals 2-0, setting up a semifinal clash with the Shenzhen Aviators.
Cheng Shuaipeng added 21 points for Zhejiang, while Nate Mason was the top scorer for Guangzhou with 23 points.
"We have already made our history to reach the playoffs for the first time. The playoff games are very different (from the regular season), so we will train hard to prepare for the next season," Guangzhou's coach Guo Shiqiang said after the game.
The two teams battled tensely before the halftime break. Zhejiang entered the second half with a 54-51 advantage but Guangzhou took a 63-59 lead after a 12-0 run thanks to three-pointers from Zhu Mingzhen and Cui Yongxi.
Wu Qian stood out to make a crucial three-pointer, before Cheng Shuaipeng and Gulley both scored to retake the lead for the visitors.
Leading 81-70 into the last quarter, Cheng hit three three-pointers to help Zhejiang keep the upper hand and then ease to the victory.
Zhejiang will take on the Shenzhen Aviators for Game 1 of the semifinals on Tuesday.
