Iran clinch top spot in Group E with competitive win over Saudi Arabia

AMMAN (Jordan) - Iran close out their FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers campaign with a narrow win over Saudi Arabia, 70-64, despite the valiant attempt to pull off an upset.

The game was tightly contested through the first half, with Iran holding a one-point lead into the mid-game break. Saudi Arabia utilized their athleticism to their advantage and it was Khalid Abdel Gabar's 14 first-half points that kept the team close.

The second half remained close, but Iran displayed poise and composure to stay ahead and go away with the win. Navid Rezaeifar came off the bench and provided Iran with the spark they needed, going for 16 points on a perfect shooting game.

Arsalan Kazemi stuffed the stat sheet for a second straight game with 7 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, and three steals in the win.

Saudi Arabia fought tooth and nail to reclaim the lead in that second half and their effort was evident for everyone watching. They never backed down even as Iran built up a lead of double-digits, but it was unfortunately not enough.

Abdel Gabar finished the game with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists to once again star for his team. The team also got an energizing performance from Musab Tariq Kadi who impressed with 12 points and 6 offensive rebounds.

The win clinches first place in Group E for Iran, while Saudi Arabia drops to a 3-3 record.

FIBA