SHANGHAI, China — The Pac-12 Conference, Washington men’s basketball team, Special Olympics and U.S. Consulate General teamed up on Thursday afternoon for a fun-filled clinic and scrimmage at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Less than 48 hours before facing Texas in the Pac-12 China Game to tip off their regular season, the Huskies shared the court with 16 athletes from the Shanghai Pudong Special Education School and five volunteers from the U.S. Consulate General.

“I think it’s really wonderful for our athletes to play with [Washington’s] players,” said Mary Gu, Special Olympics East Asia President and Managing Director. “But also at the same time, I think for [Washington’s] players, I believe it’s their first time to China. It’s also wonderful for them to see how Special Olympics is doing here and how talented our athletes really are.”

Following UW’s practice session in the gym, the Special Olympiac athletes joined the Huskies and their coaching staff to practice their dribbling, passing and shooting skills. Washington freshman guard David Crisp said he enjoyed the unique and energetic setting with the young athletes, who ranged in age from 14- to 18-years-old.

[Related: Huskies men's basketball team tours Hangzhou]

The Shanghai Pudong Special Education School won its respective national championship last year and has previously shared the court with the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers. So Crisp couldn’t help but try to be a lockdown defender during the clinic.

“No mercy, that’s the only way to make them better,” Crisp said with a laugh. “But, no, this has been really fun. It’s really an eye-opener. You come out here and see how different everything is and just how grateful these people are. It’s really fun out here getting to interact with them.”

After the clinic, the Special Olympic athletes and volunteers split into two squads before playing a spirited scrimmage. Meanwhile, the Huskies cheered on from the bench, yelling ‘De-fense!’ and giving encouragement to the athletes throughout. UW sophomore guard KJ Garrett couldn’t help but get into the action and throw down a big dunk on a fast break.

Once the scrimmage wrapped up, Washington coach Lorenzo Romar issued medals to both teams before everyone joined for a group photo. And to think it was all made possible by a shared passion for basketball.

“It’s the best way to bond,” Crisp said.