China crushes Bahrain for second straight win in Asian Games men's basketball

Jiao Boqiao (R) of China vies with Mohamed Juma of Bahrain during the group C match between China and Bahrain at 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Nagoya, Japan, Sept. 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

NAGOYA, Japan, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China secured its second consecutive victory in the men's basketball tournament at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, routing Group C rival Bahrain 105-59 on Saturday.

China took immediate control with a 9-0 opening run. Hu Jinqiu dominated in the paint, while Zhu Junlong and Li Hongquan hit shots from beyond the arc. Liao Sanning scored 10 points in the first quarter alone, helping China build a 46-29 lead by halftime.

Pang Zhenglin sparked another offensive surge in the final period to push the lead beyond 40 points and put the game well out of reach.

"Today we found our rhythm. Every game is different, so we approached this one seriously and prepared thoroughly," Li Hongquan said.

Liao led China with 23 points and six assists, followed by Li Yuezhou with 18 points. Pang, Wang Junjie and Hu added 11 points apiece. Jakarr Sampson scored a team-high 17 points for Bahrain.

China will play its final group-stage match on Monday against the Philippines, which knocked China out in the semifinals of the Hangzhou Asian Games.

"First, we need to rest well over the next two days because we have just finished back-to-back games. Some of our players also have minor injuries, so we hope they can recover during that time. Then we will review the good and bad parts of this game, study the individual characteristics of the Philippines players, and execute the coach's plan," Li added when asked about facing the Philippines.