CHENZHOU (FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2016) – China Kashgar wasted no time in dealing the Malaysia Dragons a crushing defeat, 124-60, to end group play at the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2016 in Chenzhou, China.

Four players scored 20 or more points for China Kashgar, who sweep Group B and enter the Quarter-Finals undefeated. Darius Adams top-scored for China with 30 points, while Makan Kelanbaike had 20. Naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche also played really well, scoring 21 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. As for Malaysia, the Dragons were led by Yi Hou Wong’s 22 points, while Tian Yuan Kuek and Chee Kheun Ma each tallied 10 points.

Turning Point: Malaysia were never really in this game. Apart from a brief 3-point edge early in the game, Malaysia never led as the Chinese dominated on both ends. The hosts held a 34-point cushion at the end of the first period, and they never looked back.

Stats Don't Lie: It should not come as a surprise, but the difference in rebounding is no less staggering. China Kashgar flexed their muscles in the paint, outrebounding the Dragons, 61-30. Blatche set the tone for the home team with 14 boards, while Abudushalamu Abudurexiti had 10 of his own and Sun Tonglin collared 9 off the bench.

Game Hero: Abudushalamu Abudurexiti got a lot of playing time in this game, and he certainlymade the most of his opportunity. The 2.03m 20-year-old shot 10-of-13 from the field en route to 24 points, but, even better than that, he also found a way to contribute in other areas. His 10 boards, 4 assists and 3 three-pointers underscore how versatile and potent he can be not only for China Kashgar but perhaps also for the national team.

The Bottom Line: As expected, the hosts romped and blew out the Malaysians, who are headed home winless in four games. The Dragons have a lot of work to do if they are to defend their crown in the ASEAN Basketball League. China secure a sweep of Group B, and they will now face the Al Rayyan of Qatar in the Quarter-Finals, which will begin on Friday, 14 October 2016. China are expected to prevail in that encounter and figure quite prominently in the race for the 2016 Champions Cup crown.

FIBA