JINAN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Qingdao Eagles edged the Zhejiang Lions 85-83, leading the series 2-1, while the Liaoning Flying Leopards defeated the Xinjiang Flying Tigers 101-79, eliminating them 3-0 in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) playoff quarterfinals on Friday.

The Lions hit only one 3-pointer from 15 attempts as they trailed Qingdao 33-42 in the first half. Wang Ruize had 10 points for Qingdao in the first half, helping the home team take the lead despite a similarly low shooting percentage.

The regular-season leaders mounted a 12-0 run, overturning the score in the final minutes of the game. However, Barry Brown Jr. missed a last-second 3-pointer, and the home team secured the victory.

Quinndary Weatherspoon had 30 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while promising center Yang Hansen added 10 points and 11 rebounds. Barry Brown Jr. contributed 25 points, six rebounds, and five assists for the Lions.

The Liaoning Flying Leopards led the series 2-0 before the game. They extended their scoring lead in the third quarter, leading 75-61. The home team failed to turn the situation around, and Liaoning sealed the victory to become the first team to enter the semifinals.

Dezemin Wells led Liaoning with 25 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while Zhao Jiwei added 22 points and five assists. For the Xinjiang side, Ashton Hagans contributed 20 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.

"We learned the lessons from our home court, kept focusing on the game. We gave a high-level performance and finally won the series," Liaoning's head coach Yang Ming said after the game. Enditem

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