JEDDAH, 24 July 2005 — Gritty Iraq cagers edged out Palestine 80-79 in a hard-fought battle to claim their first victory, while Yemen blasted an overmatched Somalia squad 110-76 in the last two matches in the eliminations round of the 16th Arab Basketball Championship at the General Presidency of Youth Welfare hall here yesterday.
Iraq, after losing their first encounter, got their act together, and with the combination of dribbling and shooting the baskets from the field, they handed their opponents a defeat.
It was the closest game in the tournament as both teams produced their best and did not squander any chance to basket.
Yemen, who also lost their game against the hosts Saudi Arabia, entered the field with vigor and with balanced scoring and rebounding, they outclassed their rivals in an one-sided affair.
The playoff matches will start today with undefeated Algeria taking on Jordan at 5.15 p.m. and Tunis battling Saudi Arabia at 7.15 p.m. Tomorrow Algeria go against Egypt at 5.15 p.m., while Tunis meet Morocco at 7:15 p.m. On Tuesday, Egypt play Jordan 5:15 p.m. and Morocco challenge Saudi Arabia at 7.15 p.m.
