14-07-2025
Qatar's reserve basketball team to face Philippines in Taiwan today
Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar's reserve basketball team will face The Philippines in the fourth round of the 44th William Jones Cup in Taipei (Taiwan) on Tuesday.
The matchup follows Qatar's close 77-82 loss to Australia in a high-intensity game that remained competitive until the final moments. Despite the defeat, Qatar's reserve squad delivered one of its strongest performances against a formidable opponent.
The team led 21-19 after the first quarter but trailed slightly in the second, with Australia edging out 19-15. The third quarter ended in a 19-19 tie, while Australia secured the win in the fourth quarter with a 25-22 advantage, clinching the game by a narrow five-point margin.
With this result, Qatar's reserve team holds four points in the group standings, earned through a victory over the UAE and losses to Japan and Australia.
The team is now focused on regaining momentum against the Philippines.
The Qatar Basketball Federation is leveraging the tournament to nurture young talent with the reserve team serving as a vital pipeline for the senior squad ahead of upcoming continental and Arab competitions. The team's participation aligns with a strategic vision to develop promising players for future success.
Qatar's reserve team is also preparing for the 36th Arab Basketball Championship, scheduled to take place in Manama, Bahrain, from July 25 to August 2, 2025, following Tunisia's withdrawal as hosts.
The tournament will feature teams from Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Palestine, and host nation Bahrain.
Leading the delegation in Taiwan is Meshal Abdullah Al Malki, a member of the Qatar Basketball Federation's board.
The squad includes a talented roster of young players: Abdullah Yassin, Owen Ekena Amah, Raslan Rashid Al-Abdulla, Mubarak Rashid Jama, Mohammed Saeed Badri, Osama Abdelnasser, Tamim Abu Issa, Azzam Mohammed, Mohammed Ahmed, Mahmoud Diab, Issa Alert, Hamza Al Attar, and Diyan Janic.
Qatar's remaining matches in the William Jones Cup include Chinese Taipei 'B' on July 16, Bahrain on July 17, Chinese Taipei 'A' on July 19, and Malaysia on July 20, concluding their tournament campaign.
