Wang’s China Controls Quarter-Final to Dismiss Bahrain

China’s 84–69 win over Bahrain in yesterday’s U16 Asia Cup quarter-final was as much about control as it was about firepower. At the M Bank Arena in Ulaanbaatar, the three-time champions used sharp perimeter shooting, rim protection, and balanced execution to keep Bahrain at arm’s length and book their place in both the semi-finals and next year’s U17 World Cup in Turkey.

Q1: Chen Sparks Early Rhythm

Bahrain struck first through Hassan Abdulkadir’s dunks and Yousif Meshaei’s floaters, but China’s guard Chen Yuxiu steadied the response. His three-pointer and late free throws swung the momentum, while Feiyan Lyu’s jumper closed the period 21–16. The opening frame highlighted the contrast: Bahrain crashing the paint through Abdulkadir, China stretching the floor and drawing fouls.

Q2: Zhang Breaks Open the Lead

The second quarter shifted on Chunzhi Zhang’s corner triple, assisted by Chen, which pushed China’s lead into double digits. Zhang then added a layup, while Ziyi Zhang’s free throws punished Bahrain’s turnovers. Abdulkadir kept fighting on the glass, but with no Somto Patrick to relieve the pressure, Bahrain struggled to create reliable secondary scoring. By halftime, China led 42–31, having dictated tempo with spacing and ball movement.

Q3: Zhou and Zhao Deliver the Blow

China’s depth told after the break. Zhanfeng Zhou buried back-to-back threes, stretching the lead to 21, while Boxin Zhao turned the paint into a no-go zone with multiple rejections. Abdulkadir answered with power moves inside, but Bahrain were increasingly isolated in their attack. The third quarter ended 68–50, effectively sealing the contest.

Q4: Bahrain Falter Under Pressure

Bahrain showed fight in the final quarter, with Abdulkadir and Hussain Fuad trimming the margin. Yet technical fouls cost them valuable points, and Chunzhi Zhang’s dagger three in the closing minutes iced the game. China’s composure and defensive discipline outweighed Bahrain’s spirit, closing the night 84–69.

Game Breakdown

- China leveraged spacing and passing: 9 assists from Chen Yuxiu kept offense flowing

- Perimeter shooting proved decisive: Zhou, Shi, and Chen combined for momentum threes

- Boxin Zhao’s rim protection killed rallies: several second-half blocks halted Bahrain runs

- Bahrain too dependent on Abdulkadir: 29 points and 21 rebounds, but little support.