Beijing, Shanxi force tie
The Beijing Royal Fighters edged the Shenzhen Aviators 99-94, while the Shanxi Loongs defeated the Zhejiang Lions 132-118 in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) playoffs in Beijing on Saturday.
Beijing and Shanxi had tied the best-of-three first round 1-1 respectively at home to force tie-breakers.
Beijing started the game with a 13-2 lead, showing their determination to level the series after Wednesday's loss. Kay Felder of Beijing and Shenzhen's Jared Sullinger both pocketed 23 points in the first half, as the home team had a four-point halftime lead.
The two teams exchanged baskets in the second half. Shenzhen center Shen Zijie responded to Felder's continuous scoring with a powerful dunk in the final quarter. He Xining missed a potential game-tying three-pointer for Shenzhen in the last seconds, and Liao Sanning secured Beijing's win with a fast break layup.
Sullinger had a game-high 37 points and 22 rebounds, while Felder contributed 32 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists.
"All the players fought hard throughout the game. It is a great team effort. Now, we can prepare for another trip to Shenzhen," said Beijing coach Min Lulei.
Also on Saturday, Zhang Ning and Yuan Shuai scored 29 and 28 points, respectively, to help Shanxi sail past Zhejiang.
The tie-breakers of the two matchups will be staged on Monday.