Zhejiang top Qingdao in Game 4 to force decider

The Zhejiang Lions edged the Qingdao Eagles 110-108 with decisive free throws in the final seconds, leveling the series 2-2 in the quarterfinals of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league on Sunday.

Josh Carlton (R) of Zhejiang Lions shoots during the playoff 2nd round match between Qingdao Eagles and Zhejiang Lions at the 2024-2025 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

Qingdao took a 2-1 series lead before the game started, while the regular-season leading Lions were already in a desperate situation. The home team got off to an 11-2 run from the start. Making seven 3-pointers from 12 attempts, Qingdao led 29-16 in the first quarter.

Sun Minghui hit three 3-pointers and had 13 points in the second quarter. The Lions overturned the situation and led 51-50.

In the final moments, Myles Powell and Barry Brown Jr. traded crucial scores. Sun and Hu Jinqiu made three points from four free-throw attempts, helping the Lions seal the victory.

Barry led the Lions with 28 points, three rebounds and nine assists, while Sun added 22 points, five rebounds and six assists. Powell had 22 points, four rebounds and 10 assists for Qingdao, and Wang Ruize contributed 21 points.