JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian national basketball team on Thursday night lost their second match at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup, going down 76-52 to defending champions Australia in Jakarta.
The Falcons had lost their opening Group A match 80-54 to hosts Indonesia on Tuesday, and will play their final fixture against Jordan on Saturday.
The team had led 18-15 at the end of the first quarter, but the Australians soon imposed their dominance to lead 39-25 at half time, and then maintained their superiority until the end of the match.
Saudi Arabia’s points were scored by Fahad Al-Salik (16), Khalid Abdel-Gabar (14), Muthanna Al-Marwani (7), Nasser Abu Jalas (7), Mohammed Al-Marwani (6), and Musab Kadi (2).
In the group’s other match, Jordan beat Indonesia 74-65 at the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Palace. Australia lead Group A with four points, followed by Jordan and Indonesia in second and third on three points each, while Saudi Arabia are bottom of the group with two points.
The 16-team tournament sees the winner of each of the four groups qualify automatically to the quarterfinals, while the second and third place teams will play off to complete the last eight.
