TEHRAN – Iran national basketball team defeated Saudi Arabia 71-64 at the Window 2 of FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers on Saturday.

Iran guard Behnam Yakhchali finished with 27 points and Mohammed Alsuwailem scored 13 points for Saudi Arabia at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall in Doha, Qatar.

Iran will meet Syria on Monday.

There are 24 teams competing in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers. Once the three windows of the Qualifiers conclude, the top two teams in each group will qualify directly to Asia Cup 2021. The six last-placed teams in each group are eliminated.

Meanwhile, the six third-placed teams in each group will then play in a separate qualifying tournament. Teams will be placed into two different groups of three teams. The top two teams of those respective groups will then lock in their spots at Asia Cup 2021, completing the 16-team roster who will also compete in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.