Team Qatar fall short against Lebanon in thrilling FIBA Asia Cup opener

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August 7, 2025
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7-August-2025

Team Qatar fall short against Lebanon in thrilling FIBA Asia Cup opener

Jeddah: The Qatar national basketball team faced a tough defeat against Lebanon, losing 84-80 in a closely contested match in the opening round of the 31st FIBA Asia Cup 2025 at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah on Wednesday.

The championship features 16 Asian teams vying for continental glory.

The match was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani, President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), alongside Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, and Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, General Secretary, National Teams Director, and head of Qatar’s delegation.

Qatar, bronze medalists in 2003 and 2005, entered the game with high aspirations in a competitive Group A, which also includes defending champions Australia and South Korea. The first quarter saw both teams evenly matched, with Lebanon—runners-up in 2001, 2005, 2007, and 2022—gaining a slight edge through strong defense and quick offensive transitions, ending the period 16-11.

In the second quarter, Qatar showcased their best performance, led by American professional Brandon Goodwin’s dynamic drives and precise shooting. Supported by robust defensive play from Abdulrahman Saad and Alen Hadzibegovic under the basket, Qatar took control, winning the quarter 24-19 to tie the score at 35-35 by halftime.

However, Lebanon dominated the third quarter, dictating the tempo and outscoring Qatar 26-16 to build a 10-point lead. Despite a valiant comeback in the fourth quarter, where Qatar outscored Lebanon 29-23, the deficit proved too large, and Lebanon secured the victory with a final score of 84-80.

Goodwin led all scorers with an impressive 33 points for Qatar, while Lebanon’s Ali Mansour and Diedrick Lawson contributed 12 points each.

With this result, Lebanon earned two points, while Qatar secured one point in the Group A standings. In another Group A match, defending champions Australia asserted their dominance with a commanding 97-61 victory over South Korea.

The tournament features four groups: Group A (Qatar, Lebanon, Australia, South Korea), Group B (Japan, Iran, Syria, Guam), Group C (China, Jordan, India, Saudi Arabia), and Group D (Philippines, New Zealand, Iraq, Chinese Taipei).
Qatar next play Australia on August 8 at 11am.