Beijing Shougang defeated Guangdong Southern Tigers 88-73 at home, winning the series 2-1 and advancing to the semifinals to face Shanghai Sharks. Throughout the series, Zhou Qi’s interior dominance was overwhelming. In Game 3, he maximized his impact, repeatedly disrupting and blocking shots from Wang Shaojie, Quin, and McCall on defense while maintaining high efficiency on offense. Zhou Qi has clearly become the X-factor for Beijing Shougang’s championship pursuit and Xu Limin’s most lethal weapon.
In the decisive Game 3, Beijing Shougang relied on its core quartet. Jemaine tallied a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists; Zeng Fanbo contributed 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists; Chen Yingjun added 16 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists via drives and jumpers; and Zhou Qi dominated the paint with 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals, and 1 assist. This performance marked Zhou Qi’s signature playoff game since joining Beijing Shougang. His biggest strengths—rim protection and rebounding—were on full display, as Guangdong’s centers had no answer for him. Combined with Guangdong’s poor outside shooting, the loss was predictable.
Despite trailing by 10 points in the second quarter, Beijing fought back to win by 15. Xu Limin emphasized high-intensity defense and used pick-and-rolls to exploit interior advantages. Guangdong could not match Beijing’s defensive intensity, allowing an 18-0 run in the second quarter that turned the game. In the fourth quarter, Guangdong struggled to score inside due to Zhou Qi’s intimidating presence in the paint, forcing them to waste possessions on perimeter shots. Beijing’s import center McKee went 0-for-6 for only 2 points, showing a lackluster performance, but Zhou Qi gave everything, recording four blocks and efficient finishing around the rim. He shot 5-of-8 from the field and 8-of-12 from the free-throw line for 18 points and 8 rebounds, reaffirming his status as the top domestic center.
After eliminating Guangdong, Beijing faces title-favorite Shanghai, which boasts a stronger frontcourt with Hassan Whiteside and Wang Zhelin. If McKee cannot step up in the semifinals, Beijing’s interior may struggle. However, if McKee can ease the defensive burden on Zhou Qi, Xu Limin’s closing lineup of Zhou Qi, Jemaine, Chen Yingjun, Lei Meng, and Zeng Fanbo could be enough to reach the Finals.
