Late Three by Wang Frustrates Bahrain

Bahrain’s U16 Asia Cup ended in heartbreak as Chinese Taipei stole a 105–103 win in the 7th–8th place classification round, thanks to a game-winning three-pointer from I-Le Wang with just seconds remaining.

For Bahrain, the result was a cruel blow after they had fought back from a nine-point halftime deficit to level the game at 81–81 heading into the final quarter. Once again, it was Hassan Oshobuge Abdulkadir who carried the load. The 6’8 forward posted a dominant 24 points, 18 rebounds, and 5 assists, producing his fourth standout performance in as many games. He was ably supported by Yousif Yaqoob Meshaei’s perimeter shooting and the return of Somto Onoduenyi, whose energy and shot-blocking gave Bahrain a much-needed boost.

The fourth quarter was a rollercoaster. Bahrain surged ahead 97–90 midway through the period and looked poised to secure seventh place. But turnovers proved costly. Chinese Taipei forced mistakes, converted second-chance opportunities, and slowly clawed their way back. With the scores tied, it was Wang who delivered the dagger with a three-pointer that sank Bahrain’s hopes of finishing on a high.

Momentum Shifts

What made the contest so gripping was its constant swings. Chinese Taipei led by as many as 14 in the first half, only for Bahrain to rally and even hold an 11-point cushion in the second. In total, there were eight lead changes and four ties, with both teams enjoying scoring runs of double figures. It was a game decided by inches, and ultimately by one shot.

Where it Was Won

While Bahrain were more efficient overall — shooting 55% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc compared to Taipei’s 46% and 27% — their mistakes proved decisive. Nineteen turnovers led to 27 Chinese Taipei points, while the bench battle was one-sided, with Taipei’s reserves contributing 52 points to Bahrain’s 36.

The rebounding battle was evenly contested, but Taipei thrived in the scrappy areas: 27 second-chance points versus Bahrain’s 15, and 36 points off turnovers compared to Bahrain’s 18. In the end, those “extra possessions” tilted the balance against a Bahrain side that looked stronger in set plays and transition.

Standout performances

- Bahrain: Abdulkadir (24 pts, 18 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl), Onoduenyi (10 pts, 2 blks), Meshaei (timely threes)

- Chinese Taipei: Wang (18 pts, game-winning three), Yu-Chen Chou (6 ast, 6 stl, all-action guard play), Cheng-Che Hsiao (17 pts, consistent scoring)

The scoreboard read defeat, but Bahrain’s legacy from Ulaanbaatar is one of progress; their unity was again underlined by the heartfelt tribute to late teammate Hussein Al Hayki, honoring his memory and impact.