Kazakhstan's men's basketball team suffered its second defeat at the Asian Games in Japan, following a loss to China with a 78-109 defeat to the Philippines, reports infohub.kz.

Group C, where Kazakhstan competes, is no easy draw. China is a 16-time FIBA Asia Cup winner and an eight-time Asian Games champion. The Philippines is a five-time Asian Games champion and the reigning titleholder. Against such accomplished opponents, Bahrain appears weaker, yet in the first round, they unexpectedly beat the Philippines 89-85.

After a predictably heavy loss to China in the opener (61-99), Kazakhstan needed to beat either the Philippines or Bahrain to advance to the playoffs. Third place in the group still leaves a chance for the quarterfinals. Against the Philippines, it didn't happen. As in the game against China, Kazakhstan lost every quarter — 15-18, 22-32, 29-32, 12-27.

A three-point deficit after the first quarter hardly seemed fatal. However, by halftime, Kazakhstan trailed by 13. The team cut the lead several times, but the opponents consistently restored their advantage with accurate three-pointers. The final quarter was a complete collapse for Kazakhstan.

Despite their efforts, the final margin was 31 points — 78-109. Anton Bykov was Kazakhstan's top scorer with 15 points. Abat Marat and Askar Maidekin each added 12. Jerrick Ahanmisi scored 22 points for the Philippines.

On September 14, Kazakhstan will play Bahrain. A win is necessary. But even that might not be enough to reach the playoffs. In addition to the top two teams from each group, two of the three third-placed teams will also advance to the quarterfinals.

After two rounds, South Korea, Japan, and China have already secured their spots in the next stage.

ASIAN GAMES 2026. Basketball. Men

Group A: SOUTH KOREA – SAUDI ARABIA 82-66, JAPAN – INDONESIA 98-53, INDONESIA – SOUTH KOREA 48-102, JAPAN – SAUDI ARABIA 86-80. Standings: 1. South Korea – 4, 2. Japan – 4, 3. Saudi Arabia – 2, Indonesia – 2.

Group B: IRAN – QATAR 53-59, JORDAN – CHINESE TAIPEI 80-83, CHINESE TAIPEI – IRAN 69-72, QATAR – JORDAN 65-76. Standings: 1. Jordan – 3, 2. Chinese Taipei – 3, 3. Iran – 3, Qatar – 3.

Group C: CHINA – KAZAKHSTAN 99-61, PHILIPPINES – BAHRAIN 85-89, BAHRAIN – CHINA 59-105, KAZAKHSTAN – PHILIPPINES 78-109. Standings: 1. China – 4, 2. Bahrain – 3, 3. Philippines – 3, Kazakhstan – 2.

The official opening of the Games will take place on September 19. The next day, the final and the third-place match in classic 5x5 men's basketball will be played. In addition, the program includes a women's 5x5 tournament and men's and women's 3x3 competitions.

The XX Summer Asian Games will be held in the Japanese city of Nagoya from September 19 to October 4. The multi-sport event, featuring athletes from 45 countries, will award 460 sets of medals: 217 for men, 204 for women, and 39 in mixed events. Competitions will take place in 68 disciplines across 41 sports.

Kazakhstan's national team at the 2026 Asian Games will include more than 500 athletes.