Saudi basketball team lose opener to hosts Indonesia at Asia Cup

Saudi Arabia’s national basketball team lost 80-45 to hosts Indonesia on Tuesday night in their opening match of the FIBA Asia Cup 2022 taking place in Jakarta.

The 16-team tournament, which started on Tuesday and will run until July 24, sees the Saudi team in Group A which also features Australia and Jordan.

The Indonesian team ended the first half with a lead of 44-30, and then maintained their advantage throughout the game for an ultimately comfortable win at the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Palace.

Saudi Arabia’s points were scored by Mohammed Al-Marwani with 15, Muthanna Al-Marwani with nine; Marzouk Al-Mawlid with eight; Ayman Bal and Fahad Al-Salik with five each, and Thamer Mohammed with four.

Ayoub Al-Hawsawi, Nasser Abu Jalas, Musab Kadi, and Ali Al-Shubaili, scored two baskets apiece.

Saudi Arabia will take on Australia on Thursday and complete their group matches against Jordan on Saturday.