AMMAN — India was very close to upset Jordan for the first time in their eight official basketball matches but fell short in overtime, losing 91-84. The first 40 minutes finished 80-80. A Group C opener was played at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.
Although without a major success on the Asian level, India went toe to toe with Jordan, ranked 36th on FIBA list of national squads.
Jordan’s Dar Tucker top-scored in the match with 30 points ahead of his teammate Hashem Abbaas, who scored 24 points.
Arvind Muthu Krishnan led India’s scoring with 14 points and was well supported by Pranav Prince and Harsh Dagar (12 each), Pratyanshu Tomar (11) and captain Muin Bek Hafeez (10).
Jordan, a semifinalist at the last e FIBA Asia Cup in 2022, led 18-14 after the opening quarter. However, India stormed back early in the second with eight unanswered points to take control. The sides were level 38-38 at half-time and the even match continued in the second half.
The third quarter saw Jordan edge ahead again, opening up a 60-55 lead with a late run.
India turned the tables in the fourth period, with Pratyanshu Tomar, Amaan Sandhu, Pranav Prince and Harsh Dagar driving the charge.
With a minute left for the final buzzer, India missed a 80-76 led allowing Jordan to clinched the overtime.
The Jordanian experienced and quality team prevailed in the crunch period sealing a victory in the premiere.
In the second match of Group C, Jordan will face the host Saudi Arabia on Thursday.