KUWAIT CITY (Kuwait) - Saudi Arabia have built up some momentum with less than three months left to the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers, claiming the title at the GBA Men’s National Team Championship 2019. The competition featured five teams from the Gulf Basketball Association (GBA) including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

The championship game saw Saudi Arabia match up against hosts Kuwait with Khalid Abdel Gabar putting in a sublime performance to hold off the home crowd’s celebration. Saudi Arabia’s allขaround guard put up 23 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and made 3 triples in a 92-83 win.

The title win also meant Saudi Arabia got their revenge after suffering only one loss in the entire competition to Kuwait in the First Round.

Bahrain claimed third place with a 76-67 win over United Arab Emirates, while Qatar missed out on qualifying to the Semi-Finals after failing to win a single game.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were among the top climbers in last FIBA World Rankings presented by Nike and are now amongst the top 100 of the world and top 20 teams in the Asia-Oceania region.

Saudi Arabia can carry on the winning sensation onto the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers where they play in their opening game against Qatar on 20 February, 2020. Bahrain will be playing their first Asia Cup Qualifier game the following day against India.

FIBA