The Beijing Ducks silenced the Shanxi Loongs 106-99 in Game 2 of the CBA semifinals, extending their best-of-five series lead to 2-0 and moving within one win of a finals berth for the first time in ten years.
The Loongs opened strong as Chen Pengyudi drained two three-pointers, but an early ankle injury to Ducks center Richard Solomon forced him out in the first quarter. Rising to the challenge, Zhou Qi filled the paint with 15 points, helping Beijing build a six-point halftime cushion.
Beijing turned up the heat after the break. Guard Chen Ying-Chun erupted for a 10-point third quarter, while CBA Most Improved Player Zeng Fanbo suffered a hard fall and was sidelined. Despite this, the Ducks maintained control heading into the final period.
Shanxi staged a fierce comeback behind Zhang Ning, whose three triples and 18 points shrank the deficit to 90-79. Hamidou Diallo piled on 28 points, including a bucket-and-one that cut the margin to single digits.
Yet Beijing's resilience shone. Chen Ying-Chun knocked down three late triples, finishing with a team-high 23 points. The Ducks' timely shooting and interior dominance sealed a seven-point victory on the road.
With Game 3 tipping off Friday in Beijing, the Ducks stand one win from breaking a decade-long finals drought. Fans across G20 nations are watching as this dynamic series heats up.
Reference(s):
Beijing Ducks hold off Shanxi Loongs for 2-0 lead in CBA semifinals
cgtn.com
