MANAMA (Bahrain) - All of the teams came out of the gates a bit slow, but in the end it was Bahrain and Lebanon that were able to score a win in their first game of Window 2.

Lebanon were the first team to win in the day, cruising to a 115-60 triumph over India. Later on, Bahrain had to put in a bit more effort before edging out Iraq in overtime, 95-92.

India were able to hang around in the early stages of the game, but Lebanon’s firepower up and down the roster was too much to withstand. Wael Arakji was as productive as usual with 20 points on 4-5 shooting from the three-point line to go with 4 rebounds, but had plenty of help from his teammates. Seven players scored at least 9 points for Lebanon, including 12 points from Ater Majok who also had 5 blocks.

Sergio El Darwich made quite an impression in his national team debut, recovering from an 0-4 start shooting from the field to finish with 11 points and 5 rebounds. The former Maine Black Bear also threw down what was arguably the dunk of the night with a right-handed banger in transition.

Lebanon’s 115 points scored in this game is tied for 3^rd most in a game so far by any team in the Asia Cup Qualifiers, nearly matching the 116 points they scored themselves against Bahrain in Window 1.

Amjyot Singh had a big game in his return to the India national team lineup, scoring a game-high 25 points while also recording 5 rebounds and 5 steals. Coach Veselin Matic also had the opportunity to give some playing time to youngsters like Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon (10 points in 20 minutes) and Princepal Singh (8 points, 8 rebounds in 27 minutes).

Bahrain, on the other hand, weren’t able to cruise all the way through to the finish line. They had to play an extra five minutes in overtime before arising as victors in an exciting contest.

“Kempes” Mohamed Ebrahim shot the lights out from downtown for Bahrain with 7 three-pointers on 10 attempts for 30 points. More important than the quantity of the three-pointers was the timing. Those long range shots came as a timely response to Iraq’s comeback efforts, especially in overtime when Bahrain reclaimed the lead for good in the final minute.

All-around contributions from Mohamed Kawaid (16 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists) and Muzamil Hamoda (13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) were able to help lift the team as well, especially after CJ Giles (12 points, 11 assists) fouled out.

Iraq were led by 26 points from Demario Mayfield who also had 7 assists. Mayfield nearly came out of this game as a hero when he knocked down his first three-point to force overtime with less than a second to go in regulation.

He hit another three-pointer to take the lead in the extra period, but Iraq could not hold on to it till the end.

Iraq had 5 players score in double-digits including Ali Ismael who had 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. This will certainly be a tough loss to take in, considering that they shot only 24-39 at the free-throw line.

Lebanon will try to stay undefeated in their final game of the window against Iraq who desperately need a win, in the first game on November 29. That will be followed by an important match between Bahrain and India, with both teams coming into the game off of different outcomes.

FIBA