KSA in cruise control and Bahrain bests UAE in a classic as the second round gets underway in UAE

DUBAI (FIBA Asia Cup 2021 GBA Pre-Qualifier) – An improved performance from Oman did little to prevent a loss to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as the second round of the GBA Pre-Qualifier tipped off in Dubai.

Coming into this round, bottom placed Oman had averaged less than 50 points per game. Facing off against Group toppers KSA in a rematch, the result was never in doubt, as KSA built a steady lead over the first three quarters.

The first ten minutes were neck and neck before KSA’s defence clamped down in the second period. The lopsided quarter saw KSA outscoring Oman 20-5, which ultimately proved to be decisive in its 76-60 victory. Oman can take heart from the fact that this was a much improved performance compared to the 45-100 drubbing it received from the very same opponents in the first round.

In the second game of the evening, Bahrain yet again got the measure of UAE in an exciting and close contest. Buoyed by playing at home, UAE held onto a slender lead midway into the fourth quarter before Bahrain mounted a steely comeback. Bahrain’s Ahmed Ismaeel converted four clutch free throws in the final 10 seconds to take his side to a memorable 79-73 win.

The result was an eerie repeat of their first round encounter, which too Bahrain had won 73-69. UAE forward Qais Alshabebi was superb, putting up a double double of 14 points and 18 rebounds. Six of his rebounds came on the offensive end, a category that UAE won 17-8. Bahrain meanwhile shot marginally better from beyond the arc (38%) and from the field (46.2% against 39% for UAE).

UAE led at the end of the first, second and third quarters only to fall agonizingly short in the end, as Bahrain outscored them 17-10 in the final few minutes. The result meant that Bahrain is now in second position behind KSA, followed by UAE in third and Oman at the bottom.

 RESULTS:

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) beat Oman, 76-60

Bahrain beat UAE, 79-73

FIBA