China routs Philippines to reach Asian Games basketball quarterfinals

Hu Mingxuan (L) of China runs with the ball during the men's basketball Group C match between China and the Philippines at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Nagoya, Japan, Sept 14, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]

China cruised past defending champion the Philippines 105-61 in its final Group C match of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games men's basketball tournament on Monday, advancing to the quarterfinals with a perfect 3-0 record.

The victory also offered China a measure of revenge for its 76-77 semifinal defeat to the same opponent at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the Philippines went on to win the title.

China took control from the outset with a 7-0 run before Hu Mingxuan sank three consecutive 3-pointers late in the opening quarter to help stretch the lead to 36-16.

Guo Shiqiang's side continued to dominate in the second period, using transition attacks and quick ball movement to outscore the Philippines 30-14 and take a commanding 66-30 advantage into halftime.

China's offense slowed after the interval, but its defense held the Philippines to just 10 points in the third quarter. China led 79-40 entering the final period and remained firmly in control to complete a 44-point victory.

China shot 51 percent from the field compared with the Philippines' 32 percent and held a 55-36 rebounding advantage. It also recorded 24 assists while committing just 10 turnovers.

Seven Chinese players scored in double figures. Wang Junjie led all scorers with 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, while Liao Sanning added 14 points. Hu Mingxuan finished with 13 points and four assists.

Jiao Boqiao and Li Yuezhou scored 11 points apiece, while Hu Jinqiu and Cui Yongxi each contributed 10. Cui also grabbed 12 rebounds.

"All three wins have been team victories. Before each game, we strictly followed the coaches' instructions and game plan and carried them out on the court. Everyone stayed united and played as a team," Hu Jinqiu said.

Asked about his changing playing time during the group stage, Hu said the team's interests always came first.

"Even if I am put on the court for only one second, I will give everything I have and use my strengths to help the team," he said. "As long as we can help the team win, everyone is ready, regardless of how many minutes we play."

China will face Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.