FIBA Asia Cup 2025: Spirited India Pushes Jordan to Overtime in Narrow 91-84 Loss
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Aug 5 (TheTrendingPeople.com): India’s men’s basketball team showcased grit, composure, and heart in their opening match of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, pushing tournament favorites Jordan into overtime before narrowly losing 91-84 on Tuesday at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
The Indian team, considered underdogs against a higher-ranked and experienced Jordanian side, stunned fans with their intensity and teamwork. With just under a minute left in regulation time, India held an impressive 80-76 lead, raising hopes of a major upset. However, Jordan's seasoned stars made clutch plays in the dying seconds to force overtime, and eventually edged past the spirited Indian side.
Arvind Krishnan, Pranav Prince Shine
India's campaign was powered by standout performances from Arvind Krishnan, who posted 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Pranav Prince, who impressed with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and a crucial block. Prince’s late fourth-quarter heroics included a pivotal bucket that gave India a two-possession lead with 53 seconds remaining.
Head coach Scott Flemming praised the team’s effort post-match:
“We have a young team, and we just had some mental breakdowns at the end. But really proud. This is a team that I guess was not supposed to be as good as, but we had a chance.”
India’s Defense Earns Praise
India's tenacious defense was a key highlight of the game, as they consistently disrupted Jordan’s rhythm and forced them into tough shots. In the final possession of regulation time, Pranav Prince again played a key role, drawing defenders and passing to Muin Bek Hafeez, whose potential game-winner at the buzzer narrowly missed.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the performance was a major positive for Indian basketball fans and a sign of the team's rising capabilities on the Asian stage.
Jordan’s Stars Deliver in Clutch
For Jordan, Hashem Abbas scored 24 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, proving vital during the game’s critical moments. Dar Tucker led all scorers with 30 points, showcasing his offensive firepower, particularly in overtime.
Road Ahead for Team India
India now faces an even bigger challenge as they prepare to take on 16-time champions China in their second group-stage match on Thursday. The contest promises to test India’s depth and resilience against one of Asia’s most dominant basketball nations.
The FIBA Asia Cup 2025 features 16 teams, divided into four groups of four. Each group winner earns a direct berth in the quarterfinals, while the second and third-placed teams face off in a playoff to determine the remaining quarterfinalists.
Key Highlights:
- India led 80-76 with less than a minute left in regulation.
- Arvind Krishnan and Pranav Prince led India’s offensive and defensive efforts.
- Jordan's experience, led by Dar Tucker and Hashem Abbas, proved crucial in overtime.
- India's next game is against China on Thursday.
Conclusion:
India may have lost their opening match, but their fearless performance against a heavyweight team like Jordan sets a strong tone for the rest of their FIBA Asia Cup 2025 campaign. With growing confidence, promising young talent, and a passionate coaching staff, India is fast emerging as a team to watch in Asian basketball.