SHENZHEN, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Shenzhen Aviators used a balanced scoring display with six players finishing in double figures to beat the Zhejiang Lions 91-80 at home on Thursday, cutting their deficit to 2-1 in the best-of-five Chinese Basketball Association semifinal series.
Both teams were without key players, with Zhejiang star guard Sun Minghui and Shenzhen import Terquavion Smith sidelined through injury.
Backed by a lively home crowd, Shenzhen raced into a 15-5 lead in the opening quarter. Rong Zifeng provided an early spark with eight points on perfect shooting, while veteran Zhou Peng added five points.
Zhejiang struggled to find offensive rhythm despite efforts from Barry Brown and Hu Jinqiu, trailing 30-18 after the first quarter.
The Lions responded in the second period, opening with five straight points before Brown and Hu led a 28-15 run that turned the game around. Zhejiang briefly edged ahead to take a 46-45 halftime lead as Shenzhen's shooting efficiency dipped sharply.
Shenzhen regained control after the break. He Xining and Joshua Christopher hit consecutive three-pointers to reignite the hosts, while center Ibou Baji dominated defensively after Zhejiang import JaKarr Sampson exited injured.
Baji recorded five points, two steals and two blocks in the third quarter as Shenzhen carried a 71-65 advantage into the final period.
Brown scored 13 points in the fourth quarter to keep Zhejiang within reach, but Zhou hit a crucial three-pointer before He finished a fast-break layup in the closing minutes to secure the win.
Alize Johnson led Shenzhen with 15 points, five rebounds and three assists. Baji added a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds along with two steals and a game-high six blocks.
Wang Haoran, Christopher and Rong each scored 13 points, while He contributed 11 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Brown finished with a game-high 32 points for Zhejiang, while Hu added 15 points and eight rebounds.
Game 4 will also be played in Shenzhen. Enditem
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