Bahrain Breaks 12-Year Quarter-Final Drought with Win Over Philippines

Historic U16 Asia Cup Breakthrough Lines Up Bahrain Against China

Bahrain’s U16 national team made history today morning at the M Bank Arena in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, beating the Philippines 79–66 in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals of the FIBA U16 Asia Cup. The win sends Bahrain into the last eight for the first time since 2013, capping a dramatic turnaround after their rocky start to the tournament.

The Gulf champions had opened their campaign with a 141–47 loss to Australia, but bounced back with a dramatic 70–68 win over Lebanon and a 111–80 rout of India to finish second in Group A. Yesterday’s win over the Philippines added another milestone, ending a 12-year absence from the quarter-final stage.

Breaking Away After Halftime

Playing without key forward Somto Patrick, sidelined with an injury, Bahrain needed others to step up. Hussain Fuad, Mohamed Abdulla, and Ali Husain Mohamed carried the scoring load early, keeping their side just ahead 42–37 at halftime.

The third quarter proved decisive. Hassan Abdulkadir shook off a slow start, scoring seven of his 15 points in the frame while grabbing key rebounds. Bahrain strung together back-to-back offensive runs, weathering a three-pointer from Jhustin Hallare that briefly lifted the Filipinos, and built a double-digit cushion they would not relinquish.

Standout Performers

- Mohamed Abdulla (BRN): 22 points (10 in 3rd quarter), 8/19 FG

- Ali Husain Mohamed (BRN): 15 points

- Hussain Fuad (BRN): 15 points (12 in 1st half)

- Hassan Abdulkadir (BRN): 15 points, 12 rebounds, second straight double-double

- Luisito Pascual (PHI): 10 points, 4/14 FG

The Final Four

The 79–66 result means Bahrain advance to today’s quarter-finals, where they face three-time champions China at 11:30 AM. Elsewhere, Korea crushed Kazakhstan 96–42 to set up a meeting with Australia at 6:30 AM, while Chinese Taipei defeated Lebanon 97–90 and will meet Japan at 2 PM. Iran overwhelmed Malaysia 102–62 and now face New Zealand in the quarters at 9 AM.

For Bahrain, this run is already their best Asia Cup showing in over a decade, but with confidence building and Abdulkadir in form, the opportunity to push even further is now within reach.