JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) - Saudi Arabia used a big second quarter to pull off a 77-73 upset against Jordan to break through into the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 win column, Thursday night at the King Abdullah Sports Center.
The hosts, from a slim lead after the game's first 10 minutes, waxed hot and outscored their foes, 27-14, in the second canto for a 48-31 lead at the half - a cushion good enough to hold off the Falcons' late rally.
So ecstatic were the supportive home crowd that trooped to the venue as the team finally witnessed their efforts lead to a victory after falling just short of accomplishing a stunner against China back in the opening day.
"Really important win," said head coach Ricard Casas.
Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman led the Saudis with 25 points, alongside 8 rebounds and 7 assists plus 2 steals for an all-around performance, which netted him TCL Player of the Game honors by game's end.
Mo Alsuwailem notched a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds, with 6 blocks of their 8 blocks.
They were the only players to finish in twin digits for the team but a total of eight players scored, with Ali Shubayli, Musab Kadi, Fahad Belal, Mathna Almarwani, and Marzouq Almuwallad chipping in at least 6 points.
Now, Saudi Arabia will turn their sights on Saturday's game versus India (0-2) at 18:00 local time, looking to sustain their winning ways and, more importantly, boost their chances of securing the no. 2 spot in Group C.
Freddy Ibrahim and Ahmad Alhamarsheh, meanwhile, finished with 19 points apiece to lead Jordan, who fell to 1-1 as they failed to follow up their 91-84 overtime victory against the South Asian side the last time out.
Yazan Al Taweel made 13 points while Abdullah Olajuwon - whose dad, FIBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, was in attendance to watch the game live - added 10 points, 3 rebounds, and a steal in the defeat.
The Jordanians will shoot to bounce back and bolster their bid of advancing but that could be easier said than done as they're set to face the 2-0 China on Saturday as well, set at 14:00 local time.
FIBA