For a nation starved of big-stage basketball wins, India’s 84–91 overtime loss to Jordan at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup was more than just a near-miss it was a statement.
Ranked 41 places below their opponents (India 76, Jordan 35), the Indian team showcased grit, resilience, and flashes of brilliance that kept Jordan on their toes till the final whistle. Even though the result went Jordan’s way, this match could mark a turning point in Indian basketball’s international journey. It was their first game in the tournament and they came within seconds of a historic win.
A Battle of Nerves: Overtime Drama Unfolds
After regulation ended 80–80, overtime began with Jordan taking control. They scored quickly with Dar Tucker scoring two of the two Free Throws. Hashem Abbaas added fuel with a highlight-reel fast-break dunk and a momentum-swinging two-pointer, putting Jordan ahead 84–80 with under three minutes remaining. Hashem Abbaas then again scored a two pointer to take the lead to 6 points
Clutch free throws by Freddy Ibrahim in the final 13 seconds widened the gap. India committed three critical turnovers in the final stretch, including a heartbreaking last-second mistake by Harsh Dagar, whose ball-handling error was promptly punished by an Abbaas steal to end the game.
From leading by four to losing by seven a textbook lesson in how cruelly thin the margins can be at the highest level.
India’s Standouts: A Young Core Rises
Despite the result, India’s young unit left a mark. The athleticism and energy of players like Pranav Prince, Arvind Muthu Krishnan, and Amaan Sandhu were on full display. Princepal was imposing in the paint, while Muin Bek Hafeez offered key defensive support and rebounding.
Arvind Muthu Krishnan, in particular, played a composed two-way game. His timely steals, assists, and high basketball IQ helped India manage transitions effectively. Amaan Sandhu, too, was a presence with his soft-touch mid-range jumper and interior defense. India’s ability to respond to adversity be it a Jordan run, foul trouble, or missed calls showed how much this team has matured.
The Flow of the Game: Quarter by Quarter
1st Quarter: Jordan Assert Early Control
Jordan came out with purpose. Hashem Abbaas opened the scoring, and Freddy Ibrahim nailed an early three to set the tone. India struggled initially but recovered through a three-pointer from Pranav Prince and some aggressive play by Sahaij Sekhon and Amaan Sandhu to keep the scoreline tight.
Jordan led 18–14 at the end of the quarter, but India had found its rhythm.
2nd Quarter: India’s Comeback
India exploded offensively in the second quarter, scoring 24 points to match Jordan shot-for-shot. Harsh Dagar, Pratyanshu Tomar, and Muin Bek Hafeez pushed the tempo, converting steals into points and finding lanes in transition.
Jordan leaned on Dar Tucker’s shooting to stay in it, but India’s bench came up big. A last-minute bucket by Vaisakh Karimbingal tied the score at 38–38 going into halftime a clear message that the underdogs had come to play.
3rd Quarter: Jordan Regains Lead
The third was a gritty, low-scoring affair where fouls and turnovers defined the tempo. India led briefly at 57–55 before a decisive sequence.
Dar Tucker, once again the difference-maker, drew a foul on a three-point attempt with just 2 seconds left and coolly sank all three free throws. That gave Jordan a 60–55 lead heading into the fourth.
4th Quarter: India Stays Alive
India refused to wilt. Palpreet Brar scored in the paint, Arvind Muthu drained a corner three, and Princepal cleaned up the glass. With just 30 seconds left in regulation, India trailed by two.
After a tense final sequence, India drew level at 80–80, forcing overtime for the first time in a FIBA Asia Cup game since 2013. Emotions were high; belief was alive.
What Went Wrong: Turnovers and Composure
India’s downfall came in the First three minutes of overtime, a stretch where:
- They scored zero points
- Committed three turnovers
- Missed three open shots
Players like Harsh Dagar, Princepal Singh, and Kanwar Sandhu, who had played with poise earlier, suddenly lost composure. Jordan, meanwhile, ran structured sets and trusted Abbaas and Ibrahim to close it out. India had five possessions in the final 90 seconds and came away empty every time.
The Standout Performer: Hashem Abbaas
There’s no denying the impact of Hashem Abbaas, who controlled the boards, finished plays through contact, and showed veteran leadership. His ability to read India’s ball handlers and cut off lanes proved critical. His final steal with 4 seconds left was a dagger — an exclamation point on a match-winning performance.
Final Takeaways: A Loss That Could Spark a Movement
This was no moral victory India wanted to win and came achingly close. But in the context of Indian basketball, this performance carries significance:
- India’s last FIBA Asia Cup win was in 2015 (vs Malaysia)
- India last beat Jordan in 1995
- This team had four players under the age of 23
- They played the 2022 semifinalists point for point
The challenge now will be to recover physically and emotionally for the next game and avoid another near-miss.
Looking Ahead: Can India Turn This Grit Into Wins?
India next faces China and host Saudi Arabia both formidable opponents. But if this performance is any indication, the Blue Tigers won’t be pushovers. With greater composure in crunch time and cleaner execution, this team can compete with Asia’s elite. The talent is there. The belief is building.
Now it’s about converting that into history.
Final Score: Jordan 91 – India 84 (after OT)
Halftime: India 38 – Jordan 38
Regulation: Tied 80–80
Clutch Performer: Hashem Abbaas (Jordan)
Top Indian Moments: Princepal alley-oop, Pranav’s OT three, Arvind’s defense
