New Zealand Overpower Bahrain in Asia Cup

Bahrain suffered their first defeat of the Fiba U18 Asia Cup yesterday after going down 86-42 to New Zealand in their second Group B game in Ahmedabad, India.

The kingdom’s youth men’s basketball team struggled from the outset at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium, with New Zealand racing into a 25-9 lead at the end of the first quarter before stretching their advantage to 43-15 by half-time.

The Junior Tall Blacks remained firmly in control after the break, outscoring Bahrain 23-13 in the third period before completing the victory with a 20-14 fourth quarter.

Somto Patrick Onoduenyi was Bahrain’s standout performer despite the defeat, producing a double-double of 16 points and 17 rebounds while also registering six blocks and a steal.

Cole Hopoi led New Zealand with 16 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Jackson Ball also played a key role in helping the Kiwis establish control during the opening quarter.

New Zealand never trailed and led for almost the entire contest, with their advantage reaching as many as 46 points late in the fourth quarter.

The result leaves Bahrain with one win and one defeat following their impressive 74-68 victory over Lebanon in Thursday’s opener.

The nationals will now look to regroup ahead of their final Group B game against Syria tomorrow at 5pm Bahrain time.

The four group winners advance directly to the quarter-finals, while the second and third-placed teams enter the qualification round for the last eight.

The 16-team championship also serves as a qualifier for the Fiba U19 Basketball World Cup 2027, with the top four finishers earning places at the global tournament.