Latest news with #RicardCasas
Arab News
3 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia overpower India to secure spot in qualification round
JEDDAH: Hosts Saudi Arabia secured their spot in the qualification round to the quarterfinals in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 with a dominant 84-59 win over India in Group C. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport With a 2-1 record, Saudi Arabia will take on Group D's third-ranked team, the Philippines, on Monday night, with a place in the last eight up for grabs. During the post-match press conference, Saudi Arabia's coach Ricard Casas told the press: 'The next match is not easy. It's very difficult. We will give our best. 'Of course, it's very important, these next hours for our preparation. Because we will play a good team.' Saudi center Mohammed Al-Marawani said: 'I just want to thank my teammates for their performance and hope we continue with this high level on Monday when we face Philippines.' The Philippines had booked their place in the qualification to the quarterfinals with a gritty 66-57 victory over Iraq in Group D. Meanwhile, China continued its winning streak and booked the first ticket to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 quarterfinals following a 90-68 victory over Jordan. Friday's last game saw New Zealand book a direct quarterfinals place through from Group D with a 118-78 victory over Chinese Taipei.
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
Saudi Arabia coach braces for 'very difficult' playoff game vs. Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA Asia Cup
Saudi Arabia coach Ricard Casas is preparing for what he describes as a difficult game against the Philippines as both nations shoot for a quarterfinals spot at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. The hosts and the Filipinos will clash on Tuesday midnight in the qualification to the quarterfinals and Casas acknowledges it won't be an easy contest. "Thank you very much [to the fans] because they supported us. We feel their support and we need more," Casas said following their 84-59 win over India on Saturday. "We need more. We have our next match, it's not [gonna be] easy, it's very difficult. But everyday is difficult so we'll give our best." READ MORE | What's next for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup? The world no. 65 Saudi Arabia opened its campaign against higher-ranked China and absorbed a narrow 93-88 loss. But they bounced back right away the next game, pulling off a 77-73 escape against Jordan behind Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, who posted an all-around outing of 25 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals to lead their first Asia Cup win in 12 years. Abdur-Rahkman picked up where he left off and logged 14 markers, six boards, and five dimes top star in their crucial 84-59 win against Jordan to close out Group C at second spot and set up a playoff duel against the Philippines. Casas, a Spanish tactician, said all they can do now is make the most of the limited hours left before facing a Philippine team that Saudi Arabia has yet to beat at the FIBA level. "Of course it's very important in these next hours to prepare for the game because we'll play against a good team, the Philippines," Casas added. "It's top-level in the FIBA rankings, they have excellent players." —JKC, GMA Integrated News
Arab News
06-08-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Thrilling action on the court on day 1 of 2025 FIBA Asia Cup
JEDDAH: Basketball fans were treated to four thrilling encounters on the opening day of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah on Tuesday, as 16 teams begin their quest for glory at the 31st staging of the competition. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Hosts Saudi Arabia lost 88-93 to China, who are the most decorated team in the history of the tournament, with 16 titles to their name. Despite the disappointment, coach Ricard Casas praised the Saudi players for their performance saying: 'They really played well and showed their character against China, which is considered one of the best basketball teams in Asia. 'Still, we have two more games and hopefully we can qualify for the quarter finals.' The Kingdom's shooting guard, Mohammed Abdurahkman who plays for Spanish team Club Basket Bilbao Berri, said the team did their best but luck was not on their side. 'We had a tough game with China but it is important for us to come back and win the next games against India and Jordan,' he added. In the other game in Group C, Jordanian forward Hashem Abbas came through for his team when they needed him most as Jordan held off India in overtime to win 91-84. Saudi Arabia will take on Jordan on Thursday, while India faces China. In Group D, New Zealand, nicknamed the 'Tall Blacks,' recorded a comfortable 100-78 win over Iraq and have their sights set on going all the way. 'Our focus is to finish as high as we can on the podium,' said head coach Judd Flavell. 'It's a tough tournament and our pool is tough. If we're going to be our best, these teams will expose areas for improvement.' Chinese Taipei and the Philippines lined up for the final game of the day, which attracted an impressive crowd that saw former come from behind to shock the latter with a 95-87 victory. The Chinese face Iraq on Thursday, while the Philippines will need a win against New Zealand to keep their hopes alive. The lineup of games on Wednesday is: title holders Australia vs. South Korea, Japan vs. Syria, Guam vs. Iran, and Qatar vs. Lebanon.
