In Game 2 of the CBA playoff quarterfinals on May 10, the defending champion Guangsha Lions defeated the Shanxi Loongs 85-81 on the road, leveling the best-of-five series at 1-1. After a slow start with frequent missed shots from both teams, Guangsha found their rhythm first, taking a four-point lead in the opening quarter. They extended the advantage to double digits in the second, but Shanxi closed the half with six straight points to cut the deficit to five. The third quarter was a defensive grind, with most points coming from free throws. In the final period, both teams improved offensively, but Guangsha maintained a single-digit lead throughout to secure the win. The series shifts to Guangsha’s home court for Game 3 on May 13.
**Scoring Leaders**
Shanxi: Diallo 16 points, 7 rebounds; Ge Zhaobao 13 points; Zhang Ning 13 points; Jiao Hailong 10 points; Nyx 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists; Faye 6 points, 6 rebounds; Jia Mingru 6 points.
Guangsha: Brown 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists; Hu Jinqiu 17 points, 11 rebounds; Tucker 12 points, 5 assists; Zhao Jiaren 11 points; Zhu Junlong 10 points; Sampson 7 points, 9 rebounds; Lin Bingsheng 6 points.
**Game Recap**
Ge Zhaobao opened with a three-pointer for Shanxi, but Zhu Junlong quickly answered from the corner. Hu Jinqiu scored inside, and the two teams traded baskets in a tight first quarter. Zhang Ning broke a scoring drought with a corner three, and Guangsha used a late push to lead 25-21 after one.
In the second quarter, Diallo’s acrobatic and-one and a Brown three kept the game close. Guangsha’s 9-2 run, highlighted by a Lin Bingsheng layup, forced a Shanxi timeout. Brown hit three free throws, and Nyz nailed a buzzer-beating three to make it 46-41 at halftime.
The third quarter was a defensive slog, with both teams combining for just 26 points. Guangsha managed to extend their lead to 58-55 entering the fourth.
In the final period, Zhu Junlong’s three-pointer and Tucker’s free throws gave Guangsha breathing room. Shanxi’s Zhang Ning and Jiao Hailong fought back, but Brown’s four clutch free throws and Hu Jinqiu’s offensive rebounds kept the Lions ahead. With 10.6 seconds left, Lin Bingsheng iced the game with two free throws, sealing the 85-81 win.
**Starting Lineups**
Shanxi: Ge Zhaobao, Jia Mingru, Yu Miti, Faye, Nyx
Guangsha: Hu Jinqiu, Zhu Junlong, Sampson, Lin Bingsheng, Brown
Game 3 of the series is scheduled for May 13.
