Defense costs China spot in Asian Games basketball final

China's men's basketball team saw its Asian Games title hopes end on Friday, falling 97-77 to hosts Japan in the semifinal of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Aichi International Arena.

The Chinese team, which entered the tournament targeting the gold medal, will face Iran in the bronze-medal game on Sept 20. It is the second consecutive Asian Games in which China has failed to reach the final, after finishing third in Hangzhou four years ago.

China fell behind early and never recovered, as Japan controlled the pace with quick transitions, aggressive drives and sharp ball movement. China struggled with shooting, rebounding and defensive intensity, leaving it unable to mount a comeback.

Hu Jinqiu led China with 14 points, while Cui Yongxi scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds. Captain Hu Mingxuan added 11 points and four assists, Li Hongquan had nine points and 13 rebounds, and Liao Sanning contributed eight points and six assists.

China was also hampered by injuries. Zhu Junlong was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with a thigh injury, while Li Hongquan returned from injury but was not at full strength.

"We simply did not perform at our normal level, both offensively and defensively, and in the end we lost the game," China head coach Guo Shiqiang said. "From the opening tip to the final whistle, our defense was not good enough. We also lost the battle for rebounds, while our decisions and patience on offense were lacking."

He also pointed to the broader challenge facing China as competition in Asia intensifies.

"The overall level in Asia is improving. Teams from both East Asia and West Asia are making progress," he said. "But compared with European teams and the world's top teams, we still have some gaps in individual ability, game intensity and physicality."

Cui Yongxi said rebounding was one of the decisive problems. "Japan took a lot of 3-pointers, which put different demands on our anticipation, positioning and physicality," he said. "Losing the battle for rebounds hurt us the most in this game."

He added that developing a more versatile team would take time. "Every player needs to develop the ability to attack, pass and shoot, and gradually become a more complete player. It will take a long time."

Veteran Hu Jinqiu said Japan had also been more physical and effective in limiting China's key players.

"Overall, we were not as well prepared as our opponents, and we were not as tough as them," he said. "Knockout games are cruel. You either win and advance or lose and drop out of the title race. Every game is a profound lesson."

With the bronze-medal game coming the following day, captain Hu Mingxuan said China must quickly turn the page.

"The Asian Games are not over yet," he said. "We need to learn from this game, review what we did poorly, correct and make up for those shortcomings as much as possible, and prepare for the next game."

Guo said the team would now focus on the bronze-medal game.

"Although we did not achieve this goal, we still have the third-place game tomorrow, and we will try to play it well," he said.

liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn