HANGZHOU, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The Shanghai Sharks moved within one victory of their first Chinese Basketball Association championship in 24 years after defeating the Zhejiang Lions 110-77 on Sunday to take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven finals series.
Shanghai seized the initiative early, building a 17-10 advantage thanks to 3-pointers from Zhang Zhenlin and Kyle Fogg. The defending champions responded through Barry Brown, who scored 14 first-quarter points after his career-high 50-point performance in Game 2, helping Zhejiang edge ahead 30-29 by the end of the opening period.
The visitors regained control in the second quarter with a strong scoring run that stretched the lead into double figures and forced Zhejiang to call a timeout. Although the Lions reduced the deficit to eight points before halftime, they struggled to maintain momentum after the break.
Shanghai effectively put the game out of reach in the third quarter, outscoring Zhejiang 30-11 as the hosts failed to find any offensive rhythm. The Sharks' dominance continued into the final period, with some spectators leaving early to avoid traffic while traveling Shanghai fans chanted "MVP" in support of former NBA guard Brandon Goodwin.
Five Shanghai players finished in double figures. Goodwin led the way with 28 points and 10 assists, while Zhang added 23 points and Fogg contributed 22. Li Hongquan recorded a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds.
Brown scored a game-high 29 points for Zhejiang, but received little support as the Lions suffered their heaviest defeat of the series.
Despite the absence of Hassan Whiteside and Kenneth Lofton Jr., Shanghai controlled the boards, outrebounding Zhejiang 43-27.
"We did have a better performance in the game. I think that was the result of a stronger desire to win," Shanghai coach Lu Wei said. "Many players told me this season that they were eager to bring a trophy to Shanghai."
Game 4 will be played in Zhejiang on Tuesday, with Shanghai seeking its first CBA championship since the 2001-02 season. The Lions, meanwhile, must win four straight games to retain their title. ■
