A historic night in Johor Bahru
South China Athletic captured the BCL Asia‑East 2026 championship after a commanding 113‑103 victory over the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots in Johor Bahru. The win marked the first time a Hong Kong, China club has lifted the trophy since Winling’s triumph in 2002, underscoring the team’s breakthrough on the continental stage.
Kyvon Davenport was the engine of the triumph, delivering 30 points and 11 rebounds, while Glen Yang added 24 points and six assists and was rewarded with the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award. Their performances turned a sluggish regular‑season campaign into a four‑game sweep of the Final Six, a turnaround that left coaches and analysts buzzing.
The Pilots, despite a heroic effort from Will Artino, who tallied 35 points and 13 rebounds, could not close the gap. Artino’s near‑double‑double kept the contest competitive, but the Athletic’s balanced attack proved decisive.
Third‑place showdown
The Chinggis Broncos secured third place with an 84‑66 win over Dewa United Banten, rounding out a tournament that showcased both emerging talent and seasoned veterans across the region.
Beyond the scores, the championship narrative highlighted the growing competitiveness of basketball in Asia, with teams from Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei and Malaysia all reaching the latter stages. The final’s location in Johor Bahru, a city that has hosted several regional finals, added a vibrant atmosphere that blended local passion with international flair.