Doha: Qatar opened their campaign in the Gulf qualifiers for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup with a hard-fought 80-76 victory over Saudi Arabia on Sunday at Al Gharafa Hall. After trailing 18-15 at the end of the opening quarter, Qatar rallied to take control before holding off Saudi Arabia in the closing stages to secure an 80-76 victory. According to Qatar News Agency, Abdullah Yassin led all scorers with 24 points for Qatar, while Ali Al Soumal paced Saudi Arabia with 21. The victory gave Qatar their first two points of the qualifying campaign. Elsewhere, Bahrain routed Kuwait 106-51 for their second consecutive win, dominating throughout.