JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) - Jordan can finally celebrate now as their entry to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 was formalized with some help from the gracious hosts.
The Falcons are officially bound for their 10th consecutive appearance in the prestigious continental championship after Saudi Arabia came from behind and frustrated Iraq, 66-58, at the King Abdullah Sports City on Monday night.
Semi-Finalists in the 2022 edition in Indonesia, the team of Coach Wesam Al Sous did their part as well by overcoming Palestine, 87-81, earlier in the day.
Amin Abu Hawwas led the pack with 23 points. Ahmad Al Dwairi had 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists. Dar Tucker had 15 points as well while Hashem Abbas added 14 points as they all helped in making sure that a collapse won't happen.
That's because they nearly squandered a lead as big as 31 due to a strong fourth-quarter push by their foes, although it proved to be enough cushion for them to escape with the win that was sealed by Abbas' free throws in the final seconds.
It kept the Jordanians on top of Group D with a 4-0 record but they needed Saudi Arabia to win first against the Iraqis before formally qualifying for the Asia Cup.
The Falcons sure did feel anxious when the Saudis trailed in the first three quarters, but all that changed when their bets showed resiliency in the fourth quarter, most especially by the veteran tandem of Mathna Almarwani and Fahad Belal.
Almarwaini first nailed the go-ahead bucket, and then sank both of his free throws moments later to give themselves the 61-58 lead with 1:37 remaining.
Then came Belal with a cold-blooded moment, nailing a three-pointer from the top of the key under duress for the dagger, 64-58, with 41.2 seconds to go.
Mo Alsuwailem would go on to apply the icing on the cake with 30 seconds left by converting inside, and the home fans would erupt in celebration as they witnessed their team complete the comeback after being down by as much as 12 points.
Marzouq Almuwallad top-scored for Saudi Arabia with 15 points, spiked by a trio of triples, and 6 rebounds. Alsuwailem notched a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds with 4 blocks as the towering center came alive in the second half.
It was Saudi Arabia's second win in a row and improved to 3-1, sitting just behind leaders Jordan in the Group D standings. Iraq, meanwhile, fell to 1-3.
FIBA