Saudi Arabia delivered a crushing blow to India’s basketball hopes on Friday night, securing an emphatic 84-59 victory at King Abdullah Sports City that eliminated the visiting team from the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
The 25-point margin of defeat marked India’s third consecutive loss in Group C, confirming their early exit from the continental championship. India had previously fallen to Jordan 91-84 in overtime and suffered a heavy 100-69 defeat against China earlier in the tournament.
Palpreet Singh Brar emerged as India’s lone bright spot, leading all Indian scorers with 20 points in what proved to be their final game of the competition. However, his efforts were insufficient against a determined Saudi Arabian side that capitalized on home advantage and enthusiastic crowd support.
Mohammed Alsuwailem paced Saudi Arabia’s balanced scoring attack with 15 points, while Musab Kadi contributed 10 points to the victory. The hosts also received valuable contributions from Fahad Belal and the Almarwani brothers, Mohammed and Mathna, who each added at least six points to showcase the depth that proved crucial in their commanding win.
The victory moves Saudi Arabia to 2-1 in Group C with five points, significantly strengthening their position for qualification to the knockout rounds. Playing on home soil appears to have energized the 65th-ranked Saudi team, who are now well-positioned to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in recent memory.
For India, ranked 76th in the world, this early elimination extends a troubling pattern at the Asia Cup. The team has now gone three consecutive editions of the continental tournament without recording a single victory, despite successfully navigating the qualification rounds earlier this year with a notable win over Bahrain.
The FIBA Asia Cup 2025, featuring 16 teams competing from August 5-17, follows a format where group winners advance directly to the quarter-finals. Second and third-placed teams must compete in additional qualifying rounds to earn their place in the knockout stages.
India’s coaching staff will now face difficult questions about the team’s preparation and tactical approach after another disappointing campaign on the continental stage. The early exit represents a missed opportunity for Indian basketball to gain valuable experience and exposure at Asia’s premier tournament.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, will look to build on this momentum as they eye their best-ever finish at the Asia Cup. With home crowds firmly behind them and growing confidence from this comprehensive victory, the hosts appear capable of making a serious run in the knockout phases.
The tournament continues through August 17, with the final scheduled to crown Asia’s new basketball champion in front of what promises to be a passionate Saudi Arabian audience.
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