The 16-time champions China pulled away decisively in the final two quarters, sealing a commanding victory over India to remain unbeaten in Group C, having also won their opener against Saudi Arabia.
Thursday’s loss to China is India’s fifth defeat in as many basketball meetings against them.
India, whose last win at the FIBA Asia Cup came in 2015, will play hosts and world No. 65 Saudi Arabia next in their final group game on Saturday. A loss to Saudi Arabia would see India knocked out of the FIBA Asia Cup.
Group winners advance directly to the quarter-finals, while second and third-placed teams play a qualifying round to decide the remaining quarter-final spots.
India’s best finish at the FIBA Asia Cup came in 1975, when they placed fourth in Bangkok. However, they have struggled in recent editions, finishing 14th in Lebanon (2017) and 16th in Indonesia (2022).
