MUSCAT: Oman’s national basketball team suffered their third defeat in the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers after losing 115-89 to hosts UAE at the Shabab Al Ahli venue in Dubai on Sunday. The national team endured a difficult start to the Group A encounter, with UAE taking advantage of Oman’s lack of concentration in the opening minutes and imposing a fast attacking rhythm. The hosts quickly established control and ended the first quarter with a commanding 42-17 advantage. Oman responded strongly in the second quarter, showing greater organisation and intensity at both ends of the court. Improved ball movement and attacking efficiency allowed the national team to score 28 points while restricting UAE to 20. The improved display helped Oman reduce the deficit to 17 points by half-time, with UAE leading 62-45.
Oman maintained their momentum after the break and produced another competitive performance in the third quarter. The national team matched their opponents for long periods, scoring 25 points to UAE’s 26 as the two sides traded baskets in a much more balanced contest.
However, the hosts regained control in the final quarter. UAE stepped up their attacking pressure and outscored Oman 27-19 to secure a 115-89 victory.
Abdulrahman al Shuaibi delivered a strong individual performance to finish as Oman’s leading scorer with 24 points. Osama al Riyami contributed 16 points, while Hadid Bait Bakhit added 14 and Ahmed al Sinani scored 13.
Ayman al Muharrami also reached double figures with 11 points, while Rasheed al Zahaibi contributed six.
Despite the defeat, Oman’s response after a difficult opening quarter offered some positives for the technical staff, with the team showing improved offensive execution and competing closely with the hosts during the second and third periods. Oman scored 72 points across the final three quarters compared with UAE’s 73, highlighting the improvement after the opening period.
The result leaves Oman without a win after three Group A matches, following earlier defeats against Kuwait, 88-63, and Bahrain, 106-62.
The national team will now turn their attention to their final First Round fixture against Nepal on Monday, as they look to register their first victory of the campaign and conclude their participation in Dubai on a positive note.
Oman will aim to build on the improved phases of their performance against UAE and produce a more consistent display throughout the four quarters in their final group encounter.
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