DUBAI (UAE) – Bahrain launched a massive offensive midway through the second quarter and cruised along thenceforth to post a 95-67 win over Kuwait, thus completing their Group A engagements with a 4-0 record in the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers First Round on Monday.
In the day’s other game, Oman posted their only win of the competition, beating Nepal 76-62.
“Our aim was to win two games and ensure we qualify. We achieved that,” said Kuwait coach Vasileios Bratsiakos.
His team, despite the defeat, finished in the top three along with Bahrain and hosts UAE, to qualify for the Second Round, where they are grouped with Palestine, Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka in Group E.
Ahmed Haji, whose three-pointer record in a single game was rendered to oblivion the other night by UAE’s Omar Alameri, reeled in five long-rangers tonight and went on to lead all scorers with 21 points, eight of them coming in the second quarter.
Mustafa Rashed and Jakarr Sampson each had a 20-point game, the latter also pulling down 16 rebounds in Bahrain’s charge.
Sayed Akbar led Kuwait with 18 points.
Rasheed Al Zahaibi was the leader of Oman’s win with 18 points, on 7/13 field shooting, missing a double-double by two rebounds.
Nischal Maharjan was once again the most conspicuous player and prolific scorer with 16 points, but once again in a losing cause.
FIBA