Kuwait's Blue Team loses to Bahrain

Kuwait’s national basketball team lost to Bahrain 95-67 in the final round of the first window of the Asian qualifiers for the Asian Cup, which concluded in the United Arab Emirates at the Al Ahli Club arena in Dubai. Oman also defeated Nepal 76-62.

Bahrain topped the standings with 8 points from four wins, followed by the UAE with 7 points, Kuwait (“the Blues”) with 6 points, Oman with 5 points, and Nepal with 4 points.

Kuwait qualified for the second window of the qualifiers, scheduled for November next year, where they were drawn in Group 5 alongside Bahrain, the UAE, Palestine, Kazakhstan, and Sri Lanka. The top four teams in the group will advance to the third window of the qualifiers.

The first quarter was closely contested between Kuwait and Bahrain, but Bahrain ended the period 17-11 in their favor. Bahrain maintained control in the second quarter as Kuwait’s performance declined noticeably, with Bahrain finishing the half 45-30. In the third quarter, Kuwait attempted to return to the game by tightening defense on Bahrain’s key players and exploiting fast-break opportunities, but Bahrain continued their dominance, ending the quarter 69-48. They then sealed the victory in the final quarter, winning 95-67 and securing a perfect record of four wins without defeat.

On his part, Greek coach Vasilis Pratsiakos expressed pride in his players regardless of the result against Bahrain.

Speaking at the press conference, he added: “I congratulate my players on what they delivered today and on the hard work they put in throughout the qualifiers. We faced injuries and significant absences, yet we still delivered strong performances and managed to qualify for the next window of the qualifiers.”