Leading by three and a half quarters! Hu Mingxuan scored 26 points as the Chinese men's basketball team was reversed by Australia, earning a silver medal at the Asia Cup.

On August 17, 2025, in the final of the Men's Basketball Asia Cup, the Chinese men's basketball team faced off against the Australian team. After four quarters of competition, the final score was China 89 - Australia 90. Hu Mingxuan delivered an outstanding performance with 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Hu Jinqiu added 20 points and 10 rebounds, Cheng Shuai Peng contributed 12 points, Zhao Rui had 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Wang Junjie scored 9 points.

At the start of the game, the Chinese men's basketball team fielded a starting lineup of Zhu Junlong, Cheng Shuai Peng, Hu Jinqiu, Zhao Rui, and Wang Junjie. Hu Jinqiu scored first with a pass from Zhao Rui. Australia responded with a three-pointer from the perimeter. Australia had a high shooting percentage early on, but Hu Jinqiu and Wang Junjie scored consecutively to keep the score close. Hu Mingxuan made drives and outside shots, while Liao Saning also created opportunities with his breakthrough. By the end of the first quarter, China led Australia 25-17.

In the second quarter, the Chinese team's offense flowed smoothly, starting with a 4-0 run that forced Australia to call a timeout, marking China's first double-digit lead. After the break, Australia executed several successful one-on-one plays, but Wang Junjie shone brightly, scoring 7 points in a row to ignite the crowd. In this back-and-forth battle, China maintained a higher shooting percentage. However, after several failed attacks, China faced a series of counterattacks from Australia. Australia closed the gap with a run of over ten points, forcing China to call a timeout. In a critical moment, Hu Mingxuan hit two three-pointers to break the scoring drought. At halftime, China led Australia 46-42.

In the second half, both teams maintained high defensive intensity, and Zhao Rui was challenged shortly after entering the game. Every possession became difficult, with both teams relying on free throws to score. Australia then executed several fast breaks to take the lead, prompting China to call a timeout. Zhao Rui returned to the court, quickly tying the score with three free throws. Cheng Shuai Peng and Raymond made consecutive long-range shots, allowing China to regain the lead over Australia. As China's stamina waned, they faced continuous fast breaks from their opponents, but Hu Mingxuan, Zhu Junlong, Zhao Rui, and Cheng Shuai Peng responded in kind, maintaining China's lead. By the end of the third quarter, China led Australia 71-68.

In the final quarter, the top scorer, Cooks, continued to attack the basket as Australia fought hard to close the gap. Hu Mingxuan hit a step-back three-pointer, extinguishing Australia's momentum. Zhu Junlong fouled out with five fouls, allowing Australia to take the lead again. Cheng Shuai Peng made a strong layup, but Javier responded with a score. Zhao Rui and Hu Jinqiu teamed up to score, and Hu Mingxuan made another key contribution, keeping the score tightly contested. Australia hit a three-pointer to take the lead, but Hu Jinqiu equalized with a basket inside. Australia scored a 2+1, but missed the free throw, and Hu Mingxuan responded with a crucial three-pointer. Hu Jinqiu grabbed an important rebound, but a lucky bounce allowed Australia to regain the lead. In the decisive moments, Raymond committed a foul, and Australia converted 1 of 2 free throws, leaving China down by 2 points with one last possession. China's last-second three-pointer missed, and Zhao Rui's foul tactic was met with an elbow from the opponent. Cooks made 1 of 2 free throws, while Zhao Rui made both of his, leaving China with one final chance. However, China's three-pointer also missed, and the final score was China 89 - Australia 90.