OPQT's: Curtain falls with Saudi Arabia and Indonesia ending strongly; Bahrain finish flawless

DAMASCUS (Syria) - The  FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2023 in Damascus ended with Saudi Arabia and Indonesia finishing on a high and Bahrain staying perfect.  

Here's your wrap of how the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament concluded in the Syrian capital. 

Alsuwailem leads Saudi Arabia over Kazakhstan

Saudi Arabia defeated Kazakhstan, 79-66, for win number three to secure solo second place in the tournament table. Not surprisingly, Mohammed Alsuwailem led Saudi Arabia with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while Mathna Almarwani added 11 points, 5 assists, and 1 steal. Robert Pan was Kazakhstan's top scorer with 14 points, 2 steals, and 2 triples.

Saudi Arabia led by as many as 26 points. They took the lead midway through the first quarter and never looked back. With the win, Saudi Arabia finishes the tournament with a 3-2 record. Though they failed to qualify for the OQTs, the Saudis can take pride in finishing with a winning slate.

Bahrain see off India for the sweep

Bahrain defeated India, 79-66, for their fifth win in as many games. As such the Bahrainis successfully swept the competition. Muzamil Hamooda led Bahrain with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 triples. Dwayne Chism had just 9 points, but he made up for it with 11 rebounds and 4 steals. On the other end, Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon was India's top scorer with 17 points, 4 assists, and 3 triples.

Bahrain's star shooter Mustafa Rashed had another off-game, shooting just 6-of-17 from the field. However, fellow young gun Muzamil Hamooda made up for it with his best performance of the competition. Hamooda also struggled from the field, but he was flawless from the free-throw line (12-of-12). He also made some key plays on defense, helping to limit India's scoring opportunities.

India were plus 14 in rebounding, but they weren't able to capitalize. Their rebounding edge was offset by their 26 turnovers. Bahrain took advantage of those turnovers, scoring 28 points off of them. With the win, Bahrain finishes the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record. They will now move on to the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Indonesia finish as they started

Having won their opening game of the tournament before losing three in a row, Indonesia signed off with a victory as they moved past Syria 84-78 in an entertaining encounter.

They had to survive a late Syria comeback to get it done, with Marques Bolden on fire with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Muhamad Noor showed out with 14 points, 7 assist and 6 rebounds. Syria only won one game but were super competitive and a proud Nadima Issa checked out with a brilliant 23 points.

Top Performers

Yes, Issa's contribution was phenomenal and he claimed the highest performance efficiency valuation of the last day at 30 after adding 8 assists, 4 steals and 4 rebounds. 

Mohammed Alsuwailem remained untouchable for Saudi Arabia. His fourth double-double ( 23 points, 10 rebounds) of the competition solidified his status as arguably the best player of the entire tournament.

Marques Bolden's double-double was a strong way for him to leave Damascus although Indonesia will feel perhaps disappointed. 

Muzamil Hamooda carried Bahrain on the final day even as star guard Mustafa Rashed spluttered. Remember that he went 12-of-12 from the line en route to 24 points.

Yes, Bahrain big man Dwayne Chism shot the ball poorly from the field. However, he more than made up for that by hauling down 11 rebounds with 4 steals and a staggering 7 blocked shots.

Photo of the Day

Five games. Five wins. Respect to Bahrain!

FIBA