Shanxi Loongs Fenjiu cruised to a 101-79 victory over Jiangsu Dragons Kentier in Chinese Basketball Association play on October 25, 2026. A dominant second half and relentless defensive pressure turned a competitive first half into a comfortable 22-point win.

Shanxi take command after halftime

Shanxi started strongly, using a 12-4 run to build a 26-18 lead after the first quarter. Jiangsu responded in the second period and cut the deficit to six midway through the quarter, but Shanxi closed the half with an 8-2 spurt to take a 50-40 advantage into the break.

The third quarter was decisive. Shanxi opened with a 14-2 run, forcing Jiangsu into turnovers and converting them into easy transition baskets. By the end of the period, the hosts led 78-59, and the fourth quarter was largely a formality.

Key moments

• First-quarter start: Shanxi’s 12-4 run set the tone and forced Jiangsu to chase the game early.
• Third-quarter burst: A 14-2 run to open the second half broke the game open and took the crowd out of the contest.
• Bench close-out: Shanxi’s reserves maintained the intensity in the fourth quarter, preserving the double-digit lead until the final buzzer.

Tactical story

Shanxi’s defense was the story of the game. The hosts applied full-court pressure, forced 18 turnovers and limited Jiangsu’s clean looks from beyond the arc. Shanxi also dominated the fast-break battle, turning defense into offense throughout the second half.

Offensively, Shanxi shared the ball well and knocked down 15 three-pointers. Zhang Ning led the way with 25 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Yuan Shuai added 18 points on six three-pointers. Jiangsu struggled to contain Shanxi’s dribble penetration and was outscored 28-19 in the third quarter.

Standout performers

Zhang Ning was the catalyst for Shanxi, scoring 25 points and controlling the game on both ends. Yuan Shuai’s shooting stretched Jiangsu’s defense, and Ge Zhaobao added 14 points and 10 rebounds. For Jiangsu, Cui Xiaolong scored 19 points, while Jiang Haoran added 15 in defeat.

What the result means

The win gives Shanxi a strong early-season result and reinforces their reputation as one of the CBA’s more dangerous home teams. Jiangsu, meanwhile, continues to search for consistency on the road. The Dragons showed flashes in the first half, but their inability to handle pressure after halftime proved costly.