Beijing secured a spot in the CBA semifinals after defeating Guangdong 88-73 in a decisive Game 3 of their quarterfinal series on May 12. The victory gave Beijing a 2-1 series win, setting up a matchup with top-seeded Shanghai in the next round.
Both teams struggled offensively early in the first quarter, with limited success on field goals. Hu Mingxuan came off the bench to provide a spark for Guangdong, scoring nine points through drives and perimeter shooting, helping his team build a 21-15 lead after the opening period.
Guangdong extended its advantage to as many as 10 points early in the second quarter before Beijing mounted a powerful comeback. Lei Meng and Zeng Fanbo each hit three-pointers, igniting an 18-0 run that gave Beijing a 40-35 halftime lead.
Beijing controlled the tempo in the second half, maintaining a steady five-point cushion. In the fourth quarter, the home team played methodically, absorbing Guangdong’s push and gradually widening the gap to seal the win.
Zhou Qi led Beijing with 18 points, while import player Jamal Gulley recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Guangdong’s import, Quin, led all scorers with 25 points, and Hu Mingxuan added 13.
Beijing head coach Xu Liming praised his team’s preparation and resilience after the loss in Game 2. “We made targeted adjustments against key players like Quin. It came down to determination and confidence—whoever handles the pressure and plays freely controls the game,” Xu said. “We were a bit anxious early when trailing, but the players adjusted well in the second half with better execution in details. This was a team effort. We’ll give everything in the next round to go further.”
Guangdong head coach Du Feng acknowledged the team’s strong start but pointed to lapses in offense that allowed Beijing to find its rhythm. “In the playoffs, it’s about who makes fewer mistakes. It’s a disappointing loss, but I hope this young team gains valuable experience,” Du said. “It’s been a tough season with injuries and roster issues. We appreciate the support—it drives us forward.”
