- AP Photo/Dita Alangkara
VIVA – In the FIBA ??World Cup Qualifying Group C match on July 1, 2022, the Indonesian basketball national team fought to the last second against the Saudi Arabian basketball team. Unfortunately, Indonesia had to end up accepting a 67-69 defeat. The struggle of the Indonesian basketball team at Istora Senayan, Jakarta made the coach of Saudi Arabia feel proud of this national basketball team.
Saudi Arabia coach, Mohamed Mounir Youssef Elkerdany praises the Indonesian basketball team players. In terms of results, it may not be good, but in terms of the game, he admits that there is a progress.
"From the results, maybe it's not good for your team, but in terms of the game they have developed a lot," Elkerdany said in a press conference after the match.
What Elkerdany said was not without reason. Because, at the first meeting in November 2021, his team could win 95-66 over Indonesia. But now, they are overwhelmed.
Elkerdany saw that Indonesia was on the right track in terms of the game. What was shown in last night's match, at least Indonesian basketball fans should be proud.
"Indonesia is playing in a good direction and can become a formidable team. You (Indonesian people) should be proud of the Indonesian Basketball National Team," Elkerdany said.
Indonesia has several times had moments of winning points from Saudi Arabia. However, the Saudi Arabia team managed to rise by creating some important momentum.
It is not easy for Saudi Arabia to be able to win this match. Because the resistance given by the Indonesian Basketball National Team was so fierce.
The aggressiveness of the Indonesian basketball players was seen in the first two quarters. Arki Dikania Vishnu and his team were able to lead 39-31 before entering the locker room.
In a state of being left behind, Elkerdany made a change in defensive strategy. They got good results after that, by collecting 18 points and only giving Indonesia nine points in the third quarter.
The advantage that then made the spirit of the Saudi Arabian players increased. Moreover, at the end of the third quarter, their player Marzouq Almuwallad got three points with one second of remaining time.
"We changed our defensive strategy a bit. Then we had a buzzer beater moment that made us more confident," Elkerdany said.
In the fourth quarter, Indonesia tried to rise. They were able to take the lead, but then Saudi Arabia, which was able to regain confidence, stabilized. They got an additional 20 points, and Indonesia got 19 points.
