In a decisive Game 3 of the CBA quarterfinals, the Guangdong Southern Tigers were eliminated by the Beijing Ducks, losing 88-73 and dropping the series 2-1. Beijing advances to face the Shanghai Sharks in the semifinals.
During the game, Zhao Rui drove hard on a fastbreak and collided with Hu Mingxuan’s knee, collapsing in pain. Fortunately, it was only a hard knock, and he returned to action after a short rest. As a pillar of the Chinese men’s national team, Zhao Rui’s health remains a top priority, taking precedence over the game’s outcome.
The first half was a tight battle, with Beijing leading 40-35. The Ducks relied on tough defense and team play, notching 7 steals and 10 assists, while Guangdong recorded zero steals and just 5 assists. In the third quarter, Beijing outscored Guangdong 21-18 to push the lead to eight points, but the Tigers showed resilience, keeping the game competitive down the stretch.
Tempers flared in the fourth quarter when Chen Yingjun and Zhang Haoka clashed under the basket, both receiving unsportsmanlike fouls. Despite Guangdong’s relentless effort, they couldn’t crack Beijing’s deep defense and ultimately fell short.
Key scorers for Beijing: Jemaine (Jordan) posted a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists; Zhou Qi dominated inside with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks; Chen Yingjun added 16 points; Zeng Fanbo chipped in 15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks.
For Guangdong: Xu Jie and Cui Yongxi both finished with 0 points; imports Quinn scored 25 points in a losing cause; Hu Mingxuan contributed 13 points.
The loss ends Guangdong’s season, while Beijing now prepares for a blockbuster semifinal showdown against the top-seeded Shanghai squad.
