In the second game of the CBA playoff second round for the 2025-26 season, defending champions Guangsha faced Shanxi on the road without star guard Sun Minghui due to injury. After a tightly contested battle, Guangsha secured an 86-81 victory, leveling the series at 1-1 and forcing a decisive Game 3.
Hu Jinqiu was the anchor for Guangsha, posting 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead the team to a crucial win. Despite a poor shooting night from Brown (3-of-15 from the field) and a late-game turnover that almost cost them the game, Guangsha held on. Other key contributors included Zhu Junlong with 10 points on three three-pointers, Zhao Jiaren with 11 points also on three triples, and Tarke with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. For Shanxi, Ge Zhaobao scored 13 points, Jiao Hailong added 10, Zhang Ning had 13 points with four three-pointers, and Diallo contributed 16 points and 7 rebounds.
The game started with both teams trading baskets, and Guangsha led 25-21 after the first quarter. They extended their lead to 46-41 by halftime, thanks to efficient three-point shooting. The third quarter turned defensive, with both teams scoring under 15 points, and Guangsha maintained a 58-55 advantage heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Guangsha built a 10-point lead, but Shanxi mounted a late comeback. After Brown missed free throws and was subbed out, Diallo hit four free throws to cut the deficit to three. A Guangsha turnover gave Shanxi a chance, but Diallo missed a go-ahead layup. Lin Bingsheng made two free throws to seal the win, and Diallo’s game-tying three-point attempt fell short.
With Sun Minghui still sidelined, Hu Jinqiu stepped up as the team’s most reliable core, ensuring Guangsha stays alive in the series. The deciding Game 3 will be played at Guangsha’s home court.