BEIJING - The Zhejiang Lions clinched a 114-103 away victory over the Beijing Ducks to take a 2-1 lead in the 2024-25 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) best-of-seven finals here on Monday.

Chen Ying-chun of Beijing nailed a three-pointer amid loud cheers from the audience in the Capital Indoor Stadium, launching the first CBA final staged in China's capital city in 10 years since the 2014-15 season.

Zhejiang's star center Hu Jinqiu committed his second personal foul early in the first quarter, while Beijing seized the opportunity to start the game 12-3. As the road team gradually adapted to the intensity, Zhejiang came back to finish the first quarter 31-28.

The home side then strengthened defense and overpowered Zhejiang 34-20 in the second quarter. In the face of difficulties, it was Barry Brown of Zhejiang leading the first seed to bounce back.

In the second half, Beijing's turnovers gave Zhejiang more chances to score in fast breaks. And the away side gained momentum in the final quarter with concerted efforts of Hu and Sun Minghui, in addition to Brown, to seal the win.

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Brown scored a game-high 44 points, while Hu managed three three-pointers to pocket 27 points. Sun added 21 points and six assists for Zhejiang.

"Our team didn't give up when we were down. Our players showed strong defense and rebounds, fighting for every single chance to keep enhancing the competitiveness. We limited the scoring of Beijing, and the contribution of each player is indispensable," Zhejiang head coach Wang Bo said after the game.

Sun believed that Game 3 was the toughest match this season so far, and team Zhejiang demonstrated maturity and solidarity. "From trailing behind to winning the game, we had confidence all the time. We need to be ready for the challenges ahead," he remarked.

Six players of Beijing scored in double digits, as Zhou Qi and Eugene German took 26 and 16 points, respectively.

Beijing head coach Xu Limin said after the match, "Whatever the result is, this journey with pressure and hardships is what the team needs to experience in a long run. Both teams had excellent performance, and we will concentrate on details in the following games."

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Game 4 of the Finals will continue to take place in Beijing on Wednesday.