Qatar National Basketball Team Conclude Friendly Tournament with Hard-Fought Victory Over Iraq

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August 2, 2025
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2-August-2025

Qatar National Basketball Team Conclude Friendly Tournament with Hard-Fought Victory Over Iraq

Doha: Qatar’s national basketball team closed out their campaign in the 2025 International Friendly Tournament on a high note, edging out Iraq 77–73 in a competitive encounter at Lusail Multipurpose Arena. The four-nation tournament, organized by the Qatar Basketball Federation, featured teams from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Iraq.

Team Qatar delivered a commanding performance in the final game, executing head coach Hakan Demir’s tactical game plan with precision. They took early control of the match, winning the first quarter 19–15 through disciplined defense and fluid ball movement. Iraq rallied in the second quarter, capitalizing on defensive gaps to edge the frame 25–22 and level the contest.

In the third quarter, Qatar regained momentum with a sharper offensive rhythm, pulling ahead 22–17. Although Iraq managed to take the final quarter 16–14, the Qatari side held firm in the closing minutes to secure a confidence-boosting four-point victory.

Tyler James Lee Harris led Qatar’s scoring with an outstanding 25-point performance, showcasing his ability from beyond the arc and driving through the defense with authority. Iraq’s Ihab Hassan impressed for his side, contributing 15 points and anchoring both ends of the floor.

The final day of the tournament was attended by prominent figures, including Qatar Basketball Federation President Mohammed Saad Al-Mughaiseeb and Secretary General Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, alongside team officials and leading personalities from the Qatari basketball community. Earlier in the day, Japan defeated Saudi Arabia 85–78.

Qatar concluded the tournament with two wins and one loss—opening with a 82–78 win over Saudi Arabia, followed by a 103–92 defeat to Japan, and finishing with a strong performance against Iraq. The tournament provided the team with vital competitive exposure ahead of the 31st FIBA Asia Cup.

The FIBA Asia Cup will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5 to 17, 2025, with 16 teams competing. Qatar is placed in Group A alongside regional heavyweights Australia, South Korea, and Lebanon. They will open their campaign against South Korea on August 6, face Lebanon on August 8, and conclude the group stage with a clash against Australia on August 10.

The tournament follows a group-stage format, with the top team from each group advancing directly to the quarterfinals. Second- and third-placed teams will battle in crossover elimination matches for the remaining spots in the last eight.

Qatar’s preparations for the Asia Cup included an intensive overseas training camp in Turkey from June 19 to July 3, followed by a domestic phase in Doha that featured two friendlies against India. The team then traveled to Seoul for a series of matches with South Korea from July 16 to 21, before returning home to compete in the friendly tournament.

With momentum on their side and valuable match experience gained, Team Qatar heads into the Asia Cup with renewed confidence and determination to compete at the highest level.