DUBAI (FIBA Asia Cup 2021 GBA Pre-Qualifier) - The second round of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 GBA Pre-Qualifier is all set to tip off tomorrow.

There are four teams in the fray, and the top two teams at the end of this Pre-Qualifier will progress to the FIBA Asia Pre-Qualifier later in September.

This Pre-Qualifier is being played in a round robin format across two rounds. At the end of the first round earlier in February, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain were locked at 2-1, and bottom placed Oman at 0-3.

Here’s a preview of what to expect from tomorrow’s double header.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia vs Oman

Saudi Arabia is currently sitting atop the Group, while struggling Oman is 0-3. The last time these teams faced off in the first round at Manama, KSA walloped Oman 100-45. In this rematch, you can expect KSA’s Big Three of point guard Marzouq Almuwallad (19.7 ppg), shooting guard Mathna Almarwani (16 ppg, 6.7 rpg) and centre Mohammed Alsuwailem (14.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg) to continue from where they left off.

Oman has its back against the wall and will need to win both its remaining games to have a chance of progressing to the next round. A tall ask by any stretch of imagination, especially for a team that has averaged less than 50 points per game.

UAE vs Bahrain

UAE suffered an agonizing 69-73 loss to Bahrain while playing in Bahrain. Now it will look to reverse the result in front of its home fans. UAE forward Qais Alshabebi and guard Husain Ahmed are top two among all players in points per game.

Bahrain meanwhile has had multiple players like Ahmed Ismaeel, Ahmed Alderazi, Ali Hasan and Mohamed Kawaid step up in different categories. Bahrain has taken its preparations very seriously, even going to the extent of hosting an international invitational tournament in the run up to this second round.

UAE has been shooting better than Bahrain  from beyond the three point line and also leads in assists and rebounds. But none of these stats will matter if Bahrain keeps its poise and plays to its potential.

FIBA