World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers: Donte McGill paces Syria past Iraq

Iraq - Syria 70-78

In the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, the Syria national basketball team defeated the Iraq 78–70 after pulling away in the second half. Iraq started slightly stronger, edging the first quarter 18–17, but Syria responded in the second to take a 35–33 halftime lead. The momentum stayed with Syria after the break as they outscored Iraq 21–19 in the third quarter and finished strongly with a 22–18 advantage in the fourth. Despite Iraq’s efforts to stay within reach, Syria’s consistent scoring and late-game execution secured an eight-point victory.
Donte McGill (190-G-1995, college: FIU) orchestrated the win with 34 points and Omar Idelbi (194-SF-1999) netted 17. Ihab Al-Zuhairi (210-F/C-1998) answered with 15 points in the losing effort.