In a battle between two teams aiming to establish themselves in the Basketball Champions League Asia, South China AA defeated the Ulaanbaatar Xac Broncos 90–75 on May 23, 2026, at the South China Stadium in Hong Kong. The victory gave the home side a valuable two points in the group stage and demonstrated their growing ability to compete against physically strong opponents from the Mongolian league.

First‑Half Chess Match Gives Way to South China Dominance

The opening quarter was a tense, defensive affair. Both teams struggled to find rhythm, with Ulaanbaatar’s big men using their size to clog the paint and South China relying on quick perimeter passes to create shots. The score after the first ten minutes was just 18‑16 in favor of the visitors, with neither side able to gain a significant advantage.

The second quarter saw South China make a tactical adjustment, spreading the floor and forcing the Broncos to defend more space. This opened up driving lanes for the home guards, who began to attack the rim with purpose. By halftime, South China had turned a deficit into a 42‑37 lead, thanks to a 7‑0 run in the final two minutes of the half.

Third‑Quarter Burst Decides the Contest

The real separation came in the third quarter. South China’s defense tightened, forcing Ulaanbaatar into four turnovers in the first five minutes. Transition offense flowed from those stops, and a trio of three‑pointers from substitute guard Li Wei extended the lead to 15 points. The Broncos called a timeout, but the damage was done. South China outscored Ulaanbaatar 28‑16 in the period, carrying a 70‑53 lead into the fourth.

Ulaanbaatar showed fight in the final quarter, cutting the deficit to 12 on two occasions, but they never seriously threatened the home side’s advantage. South China’s composure on offense, moving the ball patiently and working the shot clock, ensured that the Broncos could not mount a full comeback.

Standout Performers

South China AA’s import center, Marcus Graham, was a force on both ends, finishing with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots. His presence in the paint was a key reason Ulaanbaatar shot only 42% from inside the arc. The home team also received a significant boost from veteran guard Chan Ho‑fai, who contributed 16 points and 7 assists while committing just one turnover.

For the Ulaanbaatar Xac Broncos, their leading scorer was power forward Tamir Bat‑Erdene, who put up 19 points and 10 rebounds. However, he received little help from the perimeter, as the Broncos made only 5 of 20 three‑point attempts.

Group‑Stage Implications

This result lifts South China AA to a 2‑1 record in the Basketball Champions League Asia group stage, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a knockout‑round berth. The Ulaanbaatar Xac Broncos drop to 1‑2, meaning their path to qualification now likely requires winning their remaining group matches. The two teams will meet again later in the tournament, and that rematch could be decisive for both clubs.