China crushes Bahrain in Asian Games men's basketball

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 for Bahrain.

China had five players score in double figures and held advantages of 46-22 in rebounds and 23-12 in assists.

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 and will hope to avenge its 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games semi-final loss against the Southeast Asian nation.