KUWAIT (FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup): Khalid Abdi scored eight points, out of his total 13 for the game, in the second quarter to provide Qatar the much needed impetus in their game against Jordan in the second FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup on Saturday.

But with about two minutes left in the first half, the seasoned guard suffered an injury, twisting his ankle while landing from an offensive rebound attempt. And there went Qatar’s hopes of a turn-around victory.

Jordan, who had struggled to stave off Abdi’s spree, thus won the game 83-78, for their second win from as many games.

Jordan, now take on Kazakhstan, who have a similar record, on Sunday.

For, Qatar this was their third defeat from as many outings.

Zaid Abbas, who played a stellar role in Jordan’s win over India on Friday led his team’s charge in the early phases as the Mario Palma-trained squad seized control for a 25-13 lead in the first quarter.

But a sudden dip in their scoring form – with a three pointer each from Wesam Al-Sous, Ayman Idais and Rasheim Wright were the only scoring successes for Jordan in the second quarter – saw Jordan struggle to maintain the momentum.

Qatar, meanwhile seemed to come to terms with the game. Mansour Elhadary showed glimpses of prodigious point-guard potential splitting open the rival zone defense time and again.

Abdi proved a thorn in Jordan’s side till he suffered the injury. Baker Mohammad’s success from behind the arc gave Qatar the lead for the first time in the game and Elhadary’s free-throw took them into the changing rooms 37-34 ahead.

On resumption, Jordan fought back with vengeance.

Al-Sous scored back-to-back three pointers and succeeded in the paint as Wright’s drive through in the lane capped a 10-0 run for Jordan in the first two minutes of the second half.

From then on, it was a matter of holding on to the lead, which Jordan did with commendable gusto.

Wright finished as the MVP.

“It wasn’t easy after we lost out Abdi,” said Qatar coach Kent Davison.

“But I’m very proud of this team, which fought tooth and nail despite not playing in full strength,” he said.

“That’s the greatest return for us in this tournament.”

Qatar close their engagements against India on Sunday.

Scores

Jordan 83 (Wesam Al-Sous 22, Rasheim Wright 20, Mohammad Hadrab 14) bt Qatar 78 (Khalid Abdi 13, Ali Ali 12). Quarterwise Scores: 25-13, 34-37, 58-54.

S Mageshwaran
FIBA Asia