MIES (Switzerland) - First Round Window 3 Asian Qualifiers action finally wound down for Groups C and D. With teams fighting for positive results that will be carried forward, intensity stayed high across all four games.
But barring Saudi Arabia versus Qatar that went down to the wire, the remaining three matchups were relatively lopsided affairs.
This also allowed for some strong offensive outings led by a record-breaking performance from Ali Mezher.
Who among this quintet shone the most in your eyes?
Ali Mezher (LBN)
Point Guard
Date of Birth: Mar 22, 1994 Height: 182 cm / 5'11"
In any other scenario, it would have been treated as a 'dead rubber'. But with results carrying forward to the Second Round, Lebanon were not going to let up against India. Quietly, unobtrusively almost, Mezher started racking up the assists, and before you realized it, he had broken the all-time Asian Qualifiers record. Not a bad way at all to end a window.
Fantasy Points: 37
Mohammed Alsuwailem (KSA)
Center
Date of Birth: Mar 2, 1998 Height: 208 cm / 6'9"
We really are running out of adjectives to describe 'Big MO's' dominance in the paint. Win or lose, Alsuwailem's consistency is guaranteed. Against Qatar, in KSA's first-ever FIBA major competition loss to these opponents, Alsuwailem was solid,. 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. Healthy returns at a +23 efficiency.
Fantasy Points: 22
Alen Hadzibegovic (QAT)
Center
Date of Birth: Mar 19, 1999 Height: 211 cm / 6'11"
Hadzibegovic doesn't look like a near seven footer. In some ways, he doesn't even play like one. Such is his agility and ability to stretch the floor. But Qatar's leading rebounder, shot blocker and even steals leader, knows and does it all. After missing the previous game against India, Hadzibegovic came back refreshed and renewed in the all-important clash against Saudi Arabia, with figures of 21 points and 7 rebounds. Qatar went on to win 76-73 and finished second in Group D.
Fantasy Points: 26
Jalen Harris (JOR)
Guard
Date of Birth: Aug 14, 1998 Height: 196 cm / 6'5"
The Falcons would be extremely disappointed following their 67-49 loss to Iran at the start of this window. Jordan's rebound game would come at the expense of their next opponent Iraq, a 106-67 drubbing, with the former Toronto Raptor scoring more than a point a minute - 28 in under 23.
Fantasy Points: 37
Amin Abu Hawwas (JOR)
Guard
Date of Birth: Apr 26, 1994 Height: 194 cm / 6'4"
Accompanying Harris in the backcourt, Hawwas too made merry against Iraq, with figures of 22 points on 4-of-6 perimeter shooting. Overall, he was 7-of-9 from the field, which also meant he was perfect inside the arc.
Fantasy Points: 36
FIBA