Egypt and Jordan engaged in a closely contested battle that lasted for 40 intense minutes.
Despite evident fatigue affecting both teams on both offense and defense, the game remained highly competitive until the very end. Ultimately, Egypt emerged victorious with a final score of 85-69.
This triumph propels Egypt’s record to 2-2 and sustains their pursuit of automatic qualification as the top African team in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Meanwhile, Jordan still seeks their first victory in Manila.
The match was deadlocked at 66 apiece as the final five minutes commenced. Coach Roy Rana instructed his players to prioritize their defensive efforts, resulting in a remarkable three-minute period during which they prevented Jordan from scoring.
This defensive effort allowed Egypt to secure a seven-point lead with slightly over two minutes left on the clock.
This advantage proved sufficient to thwart Jordan’s attempts at a comeback. Egypt’s defense limited their opponents to just one additional field goal for the remainder of the game, ensuring a victory without late-game suspense.
Furthermore, Egypt maintained its offensive momentum, which contributed to a convincing win and a significant +16 point differential that could hold value in the final rankings.
Recognizing the challenge posed by Ahmad Dwairi, Assem Marei embraced the task at hand. The center delivered an exceptional performance, amassing an impressive double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds.
He also showcased his defensive prowess with 2 steals and 2 blocks, demonstrating his commitment to the team’s success.
Watch the game highlights between Egypt and Jordan in the First Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023:
