Hu Mingxuan delivered a clutch performance with 31 points, including a decisive three-pointer in the final seconds, lifting the Guangdong Southern Tigers to a 102-98 victory over the Shanghai Sharks in Game 1 of their Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) playoff series on Saturday. Troy Gillenwater contributed 28 points for Guangdong, while Shanghai's Wang Zhelin led his team with 22 points.
The game saw multiple lead changes, with Shanghai initially dominating through a 5-0 run and maintaining a narrow 25-24 first-quarter edge. Guangdong rallied in the second quarter behind Hu's eight-point scoring streak, taking a 44-40 halftime lead. However, Shanghai roared back in the third quarter with an 18-0 surge fueled by Tyler Harvey's three three-pointers, entering the final period ahead 69-66.
With the score tied 95-95 and 12 seconds remaining, Hu sank a contested three-pointer to seal the win. Guangdong coach Du Feng praised his team's resilience: 'Away matches will be tougher. We must stay focused.'
In another matchup, the Beijing Royal Fighters edged the Shandong Heroes 104-99 behind Grant Riller’s 30-point outburst. Riller orchestrated key plays, including a pivotal assist to Zou Yuchen for a dunk that widened Beikong's lead to nine points late in the game. Shandong's Jarmar Gulley narrowed the gap to six with a late three-pointer, but Zhang Fan’s corner three sealed Beikong’s victory.
