Baghdad – IA
The Iraqi national team defeated its Syrian counterpart 66-55 in an enthusiastic match between the two teams, in the second match of the second day of the Beirut Basketball Cup, at the end of which the Iraqi players succeeded in achieving victory by a margin of 11 points (first half 32-24).
The first quarter of the match witnessed a clear advantage in favor of the Iraqi national team, which imposed its rhythm and scored from several distances, with Syria being quick to end the attacks, which allowed Iraq to end the first quarter with a score of 17-7. The situation remained the same in the second quarter, with a relative advantage from the Syrian side, whose players succeeded in reducing the difference, but the Iraqis maintained their stability and finished the first half ahead 32-24.
In the third quarter, the Syrian players regained the initiative and gradually closed the gap, but the Iraqis did not give up, which increased the atmosphere of enthusiasm on the field, so the quarter ended Iraqi 43-39. In the last quarter, excitement remained the title, and rapprochement prevailed between the two teams, with the Iraqis having a relative advantage. They widened the gap again and ended the match in their favor with a score of 66-55.
American Mayfield, the Iraqi national team player, was the best scorer with 20 points, and was chosen as the best player in the match.
After the match, Iraqi national team player Al Khafaji said: “The match was good, during which we presented a better performance than the previous match and achieved victory, with appreciation extended to the Syrian team for its performance.”
On the other hand, Iraqi national team manager Shihab Ahmed said: “Our team played a good match even though we are competing in the tournament in the absence of some players. We respect the capabilities of the Syrian team, which includes good elements, and we hope that we have achieved the desired goals in terms of tactics and work from the coach in preparation for the Asian window.” “.