China Too Strong as Bahrain’s Quarter-Final Run Ends

Abdulkadir’s 29-Point Double-Double Not Enough in U16 Asia Cup Knockout

Bahrain’s dream run at the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 came to a halt yesterday at the M Bank Arena in Ulaanbaatar, losing 84–69 to three-time champions China in the quarter-finals. The result ended Bahrain’s hopes of a semi-final appearance, but they remain in the 5th–8th classification stage. Meanwhile, China advanced to the last four and secured qualification to the FIBA U17 World Cup in Turkey, along with New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.

China Dictates Early Pace

China set the tone from the opening tip, building a 21–16 first-quarter lead behind the sharpshooting of Chen Yuxiu, who drained three triples in the first half. By halftime, Bahrain trailed 42–31, struggling to contain China’s size and rebounding.

Despite Hassan Abdulkadir’s relentless effort inside, including a string of second-chance points, China’s composure allowed them to extend their advantage to as many as 23 points. Guard Shi Minghao provided steady scoring alongside Fujian forward Zhang Chunzhi, who dominated the boards.

Abdulkadir Battles Alone

Without the injured Somto Patrick, Bahrain leaned heavily on Abdulkadir. The 6’8 forward poured in a game-high 29 points and grabbed 21 rebounds, recording his third straight double-double of the tournament. His effort, however, came against waves of Chinese defenders as Bahrain struggled to find consistent scoring from elsewhere.

Ali Husain Mohamed contributed six assists to keep Bahrain’s offense flowing, while Hussain Fuad added energy on both ends. Still, China’s depth proved decisive, with Zhang’s 19 points and 11 rebounds anchoring a well-balanced attack.

Key Numbers

- Top Scorer (Bahrain): Hassan Abdulkadir – 29 points, 21 rebounds

- Top Scorer (China): Zhang Chunzhi – 19 points, 11 rebounds

- Top Playmaker: Chen Yuxiu – 9 assists

- Biggest Lead: China by 23

- Lead Duration: China 34 minutes, Bahrain 4 minutes

Quarter Scores:

- Q1: China 21–16 Bahrain

- Q2: China 21–15 Bahrain

- Q3: China 26–19 Bahrain

- Q4: China 16–19 Bahrain

What’s Next

China advance to today’s semi-finals, where they face New Zealand at 11:30 AM after the Crocs’ 92–69 win over Iran. On the other side of the bracket, Australia meet Japan at 2 PM, following their victories over Korea and Chinese Taipei, respectively.

For Bahrain, attention now shifts to the classification rounds, beginning with a 5th–8th place match against Iran at 6:30 AM today. Korea’s match against Chinese Taipei will follow at 9 AM. Despite the setback, Bahrain’s quarter-final run was their best Asia Cup showing since 2013, with Hassan Abdulkadir’s breakout performance emerging as one of the tournament’s standout stories.