Taiyuan University beats Tsinghua to clinch first CUBAL crown in 14 years

Taiyuan University of Technology defeated Tsinghua University 71-65 in the men's final of the 28th Chinese University Basketball Association League (CUBAL) on Sunday night in Qinhuangdao, Hebei province, capturing its third national title.

The championship marked Taiyuan University's first CUBAL crown in 14 years and avenged its defeat to Tsinghua in the 2024 final. Tsinghua, one of the country's most successful collegiate basketball programs with five national titles, had also beaten Taiyuan in the 2016 championship game.

The final lived up to expectations, as two of China's traditional collegiate basketball powerhouses battled until the closing seconds before a packed arena at the Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Center.

Tsinghua took a narrow 21-19 lead after the opening quarter behind the hot shooting of Shi Kui, who scored 13 points in the first period. Momentum shifted in the second quarter, however, as Taiyuan’s balanced offense and aggressive drives helped the team outscore Tsinghua 27-17 to build a 46-38 halftime advantage.

Both teams tightened defensively after the break, with neither side finding an offensive rhythm. Tsinghua cut the deficit to two points in the fourth quarter, but Taiyuan held its nerve in the closing minutes. Crucial free throws from Guard Cao Zhihao in the final seconds sealed the victory, and he was named the Finals Most Valuable Player.

Shi delivered a game-high 33 points and 11 rebounds for Tsinghua, while Cao led the newly crowned champion with 23 points. Liu Shaowei added 17 points and nine rebounds, as Taiyuan relied on a collective effort to overcome its star-studded opponent.

"Our five years of hard work have finally paid off," Cao said after the game. "Before the final, we told ourselves that, no matter what happened, we would keep fighting. I think everyone on the team showed that spirit today."

Reflecting on his university career, Cao said winning the championship left him with "no regrets" and he expressed confidence in the future of the program.

"I've watched my younger teammates grow over the past two years," he said. "Many people didn't expect us to go this far, but they have proved themselves. I'm sure Taiyuan University will continue to produce outstanding players."

The championship also reflected the increasing competitiveness of Chinese university basketball. Once dominated by a small number of traditional powers, CUBAL has evolved into one of the country's premier collegiate sporting events, attracting growing audiences on campus and online, while providing a valuable pathway for talented players to continue their development before entering the professional ranks.

In recent years, an increasing number of CUBAL standouts have gone on to compete in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), underscoring the collegiate league's expanding role in China's basketball talent pipeline.

The tournament has also become an important platform for universities to promote campus sports culture and encourage more young people to participate in competitive athletics.

Earlier on Sunday, Hunan University of Technology defeated Guangzhou College of Commerce 100-91 to secure third place, the best finish in the school's history.