The Lebanon men's national basketball team has firmly established its lead at the top of Group C in the Asian qualifiers for the World Cup after achieving a significant victory against Saudi Arabia with a score of 90-60 in the final match of the "third window" held on Monday evening at the Nihad Nwfel Complex in Dhour El Choueir. With the conclusion of the first round, Lebanon topped its group standings with 11 points from five wins and one loss, followed by Jordan (10 points), Saudi Arabia (9 points), and Indonesia (6 points). Lebanon, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia qualified for the second round to compete in three new "windows" against New Zealand, the Philippines, and India.
With the win over Saudi Arabia (ranked 80th globally and 13th in Asia), Lebanon (ranked 54th globally and 9th in Asia) has taken a significant step toward the World Cup, which will take place next summer in Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The Lebanese team repeated its victory over Saudi Arabia, having previously defeated them 81-68 in the first leg in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Lebanon deserved the win as they displayed resilience despite a slow start. Their players demonstrated high technical skills and benefited from a significant moral boost after an impressive victory over Jordan last Friday, winning 89-70. They did not become complacent after that victory but approached this match with great seriousness and no lethargy, especially starting from the second quarter, where they dominated while Saudi Arabia attempted to mount a comeback.
The qualifying system stipulates that the top three teams from each of the four groups will advance to the second round, ensuring Lebanon, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia a spot in the decisive round, where they will be grouped with New Zealand and the Philippines (who have already qualified as co-hosts of the World Cup, along with Japan). Indonesia's direct qualification for the World Cup is linked to reaching the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup, and India will also join a second group of six teams.
