JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s national basketball team kept their FIBA Asia Cup hopes alive with a 77-73 victory over Jordan in Group C on Thursday night at the King Abdullah Sports Center.
Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman led the Saudis with 25 points, alongside eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals for an all-around performance, which netted him the TCL Player of the Game honors.
Mohammed Alsuwailem notched a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds, with six of their eight blocks.
They were the only players to finish in double digits for the team but eight players scored, with Ali Shubayli, Musab Kadi, Fahad Belal, Mathna Almarwani, and Marzouq Almuwallad chipping in with six points.
Saudi Arabia play India (0-2) on Saturday at 6 p.m. local time, looking to sustain their winning ways and, more importantly, boost their chances of securing the No. 2 spot in Group C.
In other games on Thursday, China secured the first ticket to the second round and topped Group C by beating India 100-69. Taipei topped Group D by defeating Iraq, and also secured a second-round place.
Four matches will be held Friday, at the Al-Jawhara Hall in King Abdullah Sports City.
Korea plays Qatar, with both teams seeking their first win and second-round qualification. And Iran plays Japan, in a contest to top Group B.
The third match is between Lebanon and Australia, with the winner securing the top spot in Group A and a direct ticket to the second round.
The final match is between Syria and Guam, with both teams seeking their first win and qualification to the second round.
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