Yuan Shuai's three-pointers help Shanxi beat Shandong 103-102 in CBA

DONGGUAN, China - Shanxi Loongs point guard Yuan Shuai contributed six three-pointers, helping his team edge Shandong Heroes 103-102 in the 2019-20 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season here on Tuesday.

Shanxi dominated the first quarter due to high shooting accuracy. Yuan's two long-distance shots made Shanxi take an 18-7 lead five minutes into the game. Zhang Hanjun's jump shot and free throw further enlarged the gap to 31-18. Shandong strived to cut the deficit in the second quarter but could not overturn the table, ending the first half 49-41.

During the third period, Shanxi lost momentum and got weaker in defense, but kept their advantage until Wang Ruheng contributed a critical baseline three-pointer and made a slam dunk to tie the score 65-65.

Shandong took over and led 10 points over Shanxi at the beginning of the final quarter. Yuan exploited his three-pointers to regain the edge 99-96. The seesaw battle continued till the last minute when Liu Guanceng lost two free throws, conceding the win to his opponents.

Yuan notched 25 points while Tao Hanlin pocketed a game-high 27 points for Shangdong.

Shanxi will play the Tianjin Pioneers on Thursday, and Shandong will meet the Jilin Northeast Tigers on Friday.