08-08-2025
Saudi Arabia stuns Jordan in the second match of Group C
AMMAN – If the game lasted for another two-three minutes, Nashama may have had pulled another miraculous comeback like three years ago against Chinese Taipei. Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia capitalised on a big margin it created in the second quarter and somehow managed to close the match 77-73.
Saudi Arabia had a minimal lead after the first quarter, but played impeccably in the second quarter winning that period 27-14, providing a comfortable cushion on the half time 48-31 at the King Abdullah Sports Centre in Riyadh.
"Really important win," said head coach Ricard Casas.
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 TCL Player of the Game honours by game's end.
On the other hand, Mo Alsuwailem followed him witha double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds, with 6 blocks.
They were the only players to finish in twin digits for the team but a total of eight players scored, with Ali Shubayli, Musab Kadi, Fahad Belal, Mathna Almarwani, and Marzouq Almuwallad chipping in at least six points.
In Jordanian team, Freddy Ibrahim and experienced veteran Ahmad Alhamarsheh finished with 19 points apiece to lead Jordan, which fell to 1-1 as it won the opening match against India 91-84.
Yazan Al Taweel added 13 points while Abdullah Olajuwon, the son of the NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon, scored 10 points, picked three rebounds and had a steal.
In the third match, Jordan faces the favorite China at 14:00 local time on Saturday while Saudi Arabia plays India to seal the qualifying spot with a win.
First three teams will qualify for the next phase.
