FIBA Asia 2027 Basketball Qualifiers: Lebanon edges Qatar in a thriller as Jordan and Saudi Arabia start strong
FIBA Asia 2027 Basketball Qualifiers: Lebanon edges Qatar in a thriller as Jordan and Saudi Arabia start strong
Lebanon opened its campaign in the FIBA Asia 2027 Basketball Qualifiers with a dramatic 75–74 victory over Qatar, in a thrilling matchup held at the Lusail Indoor Hall in Doha.
The Cedars started strong, finishing the first quarter with an 11-point lead (21–9). Qatar responded in the second quarter, reducing the gap and shifting the game’s momentum. The intensity remained high in the third quarter, which ended level at (17–17), bringing the score to 42–42.
The final quarter was full of suspense, as Qatar took the lead for the first time. With three minutes remaining, Youssef Khayat put Lebanon back ahead with a crucial three-pointer. The two sides continued exchanging the lead until the final second, when Khayat scored the decisive basket, sealing a memorable win for Lebanon.
Quarter-by-quarter breakdown:
| Quarter | Lebanon | Qatar |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 21 | 9 |
| Q2 | 12 | 17 |
| Q3 | 17 | 17 |
| Q4 | 25 | 31 |
| Final | 75 | 74 |
Lebanon’s roster included: Wael Arakji, Derrick Lawson, Karim Zenoun, Ali Haidar, Gerard Hadidian, Sergio Darwish, Youssef Khayat, Amir Saoud, and Ali Mazher.
Jordan defeats Syria in dominant display
In Group C of the FIBA Asia 2027 Basketball Qualifiers, Jordan recorded a convincing 74–59 win over *Syria. The Jordanian squad imposed its rhythm early in the game and demonstrated strong teamwork and tactical discipline, which allowed them to control the tempo until the final whistle.
This victory gives Jordan a solid start and strengthens its chances in the group—especially following Iran’s win over Iraq.
Saudi Arabia overpowers India to take early lead
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia delivered an impressive performance in Group D, comfortably defeating India 75–51. The Saudis maintained dominance from the opening minutes, securing one of the most convincing wins in the opening round and sharing the top of the group with Lebanon.
FIBA Asia 2027 Basketball Qualifiers.. Opening Round Summary
✔ Lebanon wins a breathtaking clash vs Qatar (75–74)
✔ Jordan claims a strategic victory over Syria (74–59)
✔ Saudi Arabia earns the largest win of the round vs India (75–51)
✔ Iran defeats Iraq in another key matchup
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