Marbury hits 36 to tie CBA finals 2-2 for Beijing

Stephon Marbury knocked down 36 points, including two three-point shows in the final one minute, to pace Beijing over Liaoning 111-110, tying the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) finals series 2-2 on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old veteran rallied Beijing back from a 14-point deficit in the final quarter, delivering perfect performance to help Beijing edge the opponents.

Beijing was three points behind with the last minute to go, when Marbury buried in a fastbreak three-point jump shot to tie the score 108-108. Liaoning moved ahead after Han Dejun made a free throw, but Marbury succeeded in laying up the ball and drawing a foul at the same time.

Marbury made the free throw on the line to put Beijing up by two points. Han had a chance to tie the game with 1.7 seconds left, when he got two free-throw opportunities. However, the Liaoning center who got 24 points and 10 rebounds through the game missed the second, seeing Beijing take the victory on home court.

Marbury also contributed seven assists.

Beijing underdog Wang Xiaohui played a key part in their victory. The small forward who averaged 10.3 minutes and 2.3 points in regular season made three baskets beyond the arc, and defended against Liaoning scorer Lester Hudson for the most part of the final quarter.

Randolph Morris had 19 points and nine rebounds. Li Gen added 16 for Beijing.

Liaoning guard Hudson had a game-best 41 points. It was the second time for him to get more than 40 in the series.

Guo Ailun made 16 points and seven rebounds for Liaoning.

Beijing started the first quarter 7-2, but He Tianjun led Liaoning to reply with a 11-4 spurt. Beijing's Zhu Yanxi and Sun Yue made their own contribution, helping the hosts finish the first period 32-27.

Beijing extended the lead to nine points in the second quarter. Liaoning made a couple of baskets from Han, but Li Gen did a good job in keeping Beijing ahead.

Liaoning outscored Beijing by 16 points in the third quarter, taking back the lead. However, Liaoning's 14-point advantage wasn't enough as Beijing made three straight 3-pointers in the quarter.