The Guangsha Lions seized a commanding 1-0 lead in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Playoffs semifinals after defeating the three-time defending champions Liaoning Flying Leopards 109-90 in Game 1 on Saturday. Hosted in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, the victory showcased Guangsha's balanced offense, with all five starters scoring double digits.
American import Barry Brown spearheaded Guangsha's charge with 24 points, including four three-pointers, while Sun Minghui added 13 points before exiting with an ankle injury. Despite Liaoning's bench outscoring Guangsha's reserves 52-31, led by Kyle Fogg's 20 points, the Flying Leopards struggled to contain the top-seeded Lions' perimeter shooting and defensive intensity.
Guangsha set the tone early with a 34-22 first-quarter lead and maintained momentum, entering halftime up 59-37. Liaoning narrowed the gap briefly in the third quarter but couldn't overcome a 19-point deficit entering the final period. Zhu Junlong's early fourth-quarter surge and Brown's clutch shooting sealed the decisive win for Guangsha.
Game 2 of the best-of-five series tips off Monday in Hangzhou, with Liaoning seeking to rebound and Guangsha aiming to edge closer to a finals berth.
