Lebanon’s national basketball team began its campaign in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup—currently taking place in Jeddah—with a valuable win over Qatar, clinching a close 84–80 victory in a match held Wednesday evening at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena.
The Cedars got off to a strong start, winning the first quarter 16–11. Qatar responded by taking the second quarter 24–19, leaving the game tied at 35–35 by halftime.
In the second half, Lebanon dominated the third quarter with a 26–16 run but lost the fourth quarter 29–23.
A large Lebanese crowd filled the stands, cheering on the “Cedars” for the full 40 minutes.
Lebanon—runner-up in the last edition of the tournament—competes in Group A alongside Qatar, South Korea, and defending champions Australia.
Lebanon will face Australia, the reigning champions, in the same group at 6:00 PM Beirut time on Friday, in a match that brings together the last tournament’s champion and runner-up.