China routs defending champion Philippines to finish top in Group C

China completed a perfect group stage at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with a commanding 105-61 victory over defending champion the Philippines on Monday, setting up a quarterfinal clash against Saudi Arabia.

Already assured of a place in the last eight, Guo Shiqiang's side produced its biggest statement of the tournament against the team that ended China's gold-medal hopes in the semifinals of the Hangzhou Asian Games three years ago.

China quickly took control, opening up an early advantage before Hu Mingxuan came off the bench and knocked down three consecutive three-pointers. A 20-point lead had been established by the end of the opening quarter with the score 36-16.

The pressure continued in the second period. China's speed in transition and movement of the ball repeatedly pierced the Philippines' defense, while its offensive play provided further scoring opportunities. Another 30 points pushed the lead to 66-30 by half-time.

The pace of China's scoring dropped in the third quarter, but there was no way back for the Philippines. The defending champion managed only 10 points in the period and trailed 79-40 before China pulled further clear in the fourth quarter to seal a 44-point win.

Wang Junjie led a balanced Chinese attack with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Liao Sanning scored 14 and Hu Mingxuan added 13. Jiao Boqiao and Li Yuezhou contributed 11 points apiece, with Hu Jinqiu and Cui Yongxi each adding 10. Cui also collected 12 rebounds as seven Chinese players finished in double figures.

China won all three Group C games by comfortable margins, beating Kazakhstan 99-61, Bahrain 105-59 and the Philippines 105-61 to finish top of the group with a 3-0 record.

The result also ended the Philippines' title defense as the team (1-2) missed out on one of the two quarterfinal places available to the three third-placed teams.