Zhejiang Guangsha make history to reach CBA finals

JINAN, China - Zhejiang Guangsha beat Shandong 105-95 on Wednesday night in the first-ever Game 7 of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) semifinals, reaching the finals for the first time in their club history.

In Game 7, Shandong, who missed the Chinese international Ding Yanyuhang due to injuries, led the first quarter 23-20, as bench player Donatas Motiejunas scored eight points.

Guangsha started the second half with a 48-46 lead, and led by one point into the last period after both sides played a see-saw battle during the third quarter.

Zhang Qingpeng buried a pair of 3-pointers to help Shandong lead by one with three minutes remaining.

From a 92-all tie, Shandong committed two turnovers and Guangsha took the lead for good before Liu Zheng made a 3-pointer in the last seconds to seal the victory.

Five Guangsha players scored double digits, with Courtney Fortson leading by 26 points and 12 rebounds, and Ioannis Bourousis another double-double of 18 points and 16 rebounds.

"My players played a tough game with good defense. They rallied for the win in the last quarter," said Guangsha coach Li Chunjiang.

Li had his dream realized as he signed a five-year contract with Guangsha in 2013, aiming to help the club to reach the CBA semifinals first and finals eventually.

During the best-of-seven finals, regular season winners Guangsha will host Liaoning for Game 1 on April 15.