Where does Iran's overtime win rank among others in Asia Cup Qualifiers?
TEHRAN (Iran) - Breathe, Iran basketball fans.
Team Melli had to sweat it out in their home game against Qatar, coming back from down by as much as seven in the final three minutes - after blowing a 13-point lead in the first half.
Iran had to seal the 76-74 win in overtime, with Sajjad Mashyekhi knocking down the go-ahead game-winning three-pointer to be the hero.
It's already the fifth game that has gone to overtime in the history of the Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Where does Iran overcoming the upset scare rank among the other Asia Cup Qualifiers overtime games?
Overtime games in Asia Cup Qualifiers
| # | Game | Date | Venue | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | KSA vs SYR | 23 FEB 2020 | King Abdullah Sports City (KSA) | SYR | 75-70 |
| 2. | IRQ vs BRN | 27 NOV 2020 | Khalifa Sport City (BRN) | BRN | 95-92 |
| 3. | QAT vs KSA | 30 NOV 2020 | Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall (QAT) | KSA | 73-67 |
| 4. | SYR vs KSA | 12 JUN 2021 | Prince Hamza Hall (JOR) | KSA | 79-77 |
| 5. | IRI vs QAT | 23 FEB 2024 | Azadi Basketball Hall (IRI) | IRI | 76-74 |
Saudi Arabia vs Syria (70-75)
February 23, 2020
Well, look at that! We had an overtime game exactly to this date four years ago. Syria blew a 13-point lead before needing a Rami Merjaneh three-pointer to get the game to the extra period. Fortunately, they were able to win in those extra minutes by 5 points (this will be more important than you think).
Iraq vs Bahrain (92-95)
November 27, 2020
The highest-scoring overtime game so far was between Bahrain and Iraq. Bahrain had their share of close games in the 2022 Qualifiers, but this one should not have been close as they were up by as much as 16 points and even led by double-digits in the fourth quarter. Bahrain scored only 1 point in the last 4 minutes - but were fortunate to come away with a win.
Qatar vs Saudi Arabia (67-73)
November 30, 2020
Qatar just can't catch a break can they? This was a close game from start to finish, until Khalid Abdel Gabar took over in clutch time.
Syria vs Saudi Arabia (77-79)
June 12, 2021
Teams that find themselves in close games, just keep finding themselves in close games. But for Syria and Saudia Arabia, they played against each other to overtime in both of their Asia Cup Qualifiers game. And for Saudi Arabia, it was their third overtime game in total.
Despite getting the win, it was Syria who came out on top in second place of their Group to qualify directly to Asia Cup 2022 - by virtue of having a better head-to-head record because of their 5-point overtime win.
BONUS: Syria and Saudi Arabia met again at the FIBA OPQT last year. The game didn't go to overtime, but it did end up with only 2 points in favor of Syria.
Iran vs Qatar (76-74)
February 23, 2024
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By now, you know the story. Iran started the game with an 11-0 run and Qatar pressured their way back in. It looked good for Qatar as they held a 7-point led with 3 minutes to go - until Arsalan Kazemi scored a putback bucket to force overtime. In the extra period, Mashayeki knocked down the three-pointer that mattered the most.
BONUS: Kazemi has a knack with those clutch putback shots, doesn't he? Iran's star forward won a game in the clutch with his hustle on the offensive boards back in the World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers. The opponent? Qatar.
FIBA
