The Beijing Ducks kept their championship dreams alive by edging out the Guangsha Lions 94-92 in a thrilling Game 5 of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Finals on Saturday. Playing in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, the Ducks narrowed the series deficit to 3-2, forcing a Game 6.
Eugene German led the charge for the Ducks with 21 points and nine assists, showcasing stellar playmaking and scoring. Center Zhou Qi was dominant in the paint, recording a double-double with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and four crucial blocks. Off the bench, Chen Ying-Chun contributed 14 points, helping Beijing’s reserves outscore Guangsha’s bench 41-19.
For the Lions, Barry Brown and Hu Jinqiu both scored 27 points. Brown also dished out nine assists, while Hu grabbed 14 rebounds. Despite Sun Minghui adding 13 points, he struggled with his shooting, hitting only three of his 15 attempts and committing three turnovers.
The game was intense from the start, with Beijing displaying aggressive defense. German ignited the Ducks with a breakaway layup after stealing a pass from Brown. A 10-0 run put Beijing ahead 14-7, and they maintained a 27-22 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Guangsha fought back in the second quarter, focusing on attacking inside through Hu Jinqiu. The score was tied 44-44 before the Lions capitalized on Beijing’s turnovers to lead 52-47 at halftime.
The third quarter saw the Ducks rally to tie the game at 59-59. Clutch three-pointers from Chen and Lei Meng restored Beijing’s lead, ending the period up 78-74.
In a nail-biting fourth quarter, Hu once again propelled the Lions, scoring six of their final ten points, including a game-tying three-pointer with under two minutes left. Sun Minghui had an opportunity to put Guangsha ahead but missed two critical free throws. With time winding down, German blocked Brown’s jumper, and Zhai Xiaochuan secured the rebound. Fouled by Wu Xiao, Zhai calmly sank both free throws, giving the Ducks a 94-92 lead with just over 10 seconds remaining. A final defensive stand sealed the victory for Beijing as Chen intercepted Brown’s pass intended for Hu.
Game 6 is scheduled for Tuesday, where the Ducks will aim to even the series at home and push the Finals to a decisive Game 7.
