Saudi Arabia started their Arab Nations Cup campaign with victory over Sudan. The Asian team overcame a slow start to rally to the confident victory at the end. Sudan in the meantime suffered the second straight defeat and remained at the bottom of Group B.
The African side got to the better start. They limited Saudi Arabia to 11 points in the opening frame and ensured a 19:11 lead. But as Saudi Arabia adjusted their offense they started to narrow the deficit. Saudi Arabia trailed by just one point at halftime. More to come as the Asian team surged in front in the third quarter. They held their opponents to 13 points and entered the fourth quarter up by 7 points. Saudi Arabia maintained the lead well enough posting the initial win at the end. Ayman Al Mowalled (88) delivered 15 points to pace Saudi Arabia. Wissam Kamal (89) answered with game-high 25 points. William Mills (78) had 14 points in the loss. Sudan will next take on Iraq on Saturday, while Saudi Arabia will face Iraq on Thursday.