OPQT's: Bahrain crowned winners in Damascus; take FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments spot

DAMASCUS (Syria) - On the fourth day in Damascus, Bahrain secured a spot in the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments after winning the Group by staying flawless. 

Their success was not only founded on their own victory with a day to spare, but also because Saudi Arabia paved the way for them to get it done by beating India earlier in the day. 

Unbeaten Bahrain defeat Indonesia to take OQT ticket

Bahrain defeated Indonesia, 95-72, and successfully qualified for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. This is uncharted territory for them and heralds a new era of basketball in the country.

Dwayne Chism led Bahrain with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 steals. Muzamil Hamooda added 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 triples. Widyanta Putra Teja was the top scorer for Indonesia with 15 points and 3 rebounds.

Bahrain shot 44.8% from beyond the arc, while Indonesia shot just 27.3%. Bahrain also won the rebounding battle 46-38.

With this win, Bahrain is now 4-0 in the tournament. They will face India on Day 5 for a chance to finish with a clean sweep in the competition. Indonesia falls to 1-3 in the tournament. They will face Syria on Day 5.

Saudi Arabia on a roll as they improve to 2-2

Saudi Arabia defeated India, 92-75, for their second tournament win. Meanwhile, India suffered their third loss in a row.

Khalid Abdel Gabar led Saudi Arabia with 15 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. Musab Tariq Kadi added 15 points and 9 rebounds. Amaan Sandhu was the top scorer for India with 14 points and 9 rebounds.

Saudi Arabia shot 48.1% from beyond the arc, while India shot just 22.7%. Saudi Arabia also assisted on 27 of their 33 field goals made. The Saudis led by as many as 31 points and cruised to victory. They will face Kazakhstan on Day 5 for a chance to improve their record to 3-2.

Kazakhstan dominate Syria

Kazakhstan defeated Syria, 85-70, for their second win of the tournament. On the other end, the hosts suffered their third loss.

Robert Pan exploded for Kazakhstan with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 three-pointers.

Shaim Kuanov added 18 points and 4 assists. Brandon Peterson tried to carry Syria with 19 points and 9 rebounds.

Kazakhstan were red-hot from long range here, hitting 14 triples en route to 53.8% three-point shooting. They led from start to finish and never looked back. This was a dominant performance from Kazakhstan, and they will be looking to build on this win in their next game against Saudi Arabia.

Top Performers

Robert Pan came out of nowhere to lead Kazakhstan on Day 4. His 30-point, 12-rebound, 5-triple performance was the best of the day.

Dwayne Chism had his best performance of the tournament so day for Bahrain. On a day when Mustafa Rashed wasn't on fire, Chism carried the load with a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Khalid Abdel Gabar had been struggling a bit for Saudi Arabia in this tournament. On Day 4, however, he shone brightly with 15 points, 9 assists, 7 boards, and 2 three-pointers.

Saudi Arabia also got a big game from Musab Tariq M Kadi. The 24-year-old forward stepped up with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

Even though Syria absorbed their third defeat, they saw a bright spot in Brandon Peterson. The 2.03m big man tallied 19 points and 9 boards for the hosts.

Photo of the Day

The Steppen Wolves could not contain their delight after nailing their second win.

Highlight of the Day

This shows the immense joy of Bahrain as they officially clinched a spot for the 2024 FIBA OQTs. It's their first time ever to play on a global stage.

FIBA