Back-to-Back Blows for Bahrain
For the second day in a row in the 26th Arab Basketball Championship, Bahrain took the court with intensity and left it empty-handed. Yesterday's 97– 86 loss to Tunisia saw the hosts go toe-to-toe for three quarters before surrendering a late 25–17 run in the fourth — their second straight defeat after Saturday's gut-wrenching 81–79 loss to the UAE.
Mustafa Husain continued his stellar campaign, leading Bahrain with 24 points and 6 assists, while Jakarr Sampson added 23 and 7 boards. But defensive breakdowns, particularly in transition, proved costly. Tunisia — rebounding from an opening loss to Algeria and a win over Kuwait — were paced by Omar Abada's 24-point, 8-assist showing and Jawhar Jawadi's 21-point spark.
Bahrain, now 1–2, face unbeaten Egypt next. A loss there would all but force them into must-win territory.
The defending champions are gaining momentum, and fast. Egypt followed up their 90–69 win over Qatar by beating Kuwait 96-65. Mazen Mohamed had 15 points, while Ebrahim Amin dished 7 assists in a game that Egypt controlled from the opening tip.
Kuwait, now 0–3 after earlier losses to UAE and Tunisia, struggled to find rhythm outside Abdulrahman Al Shammari (17 points). Egypt, meanwhile, look fully capable of defending their title, even with key defender Ali Hijazi sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Algeria Mean Business
Algeria followed up their win over Tunisia with another win, this time dismantling the UAE 99-61. Roubai Mohamed led a fluid, fast-paced offense with 14 points, while the Algerians' team-first style smothered a UAE squad that had opened with promise but now sits 1–2. 'We play as a team, and not selfishly. We're coming for the title', said Algeria's Bin Saleh Amin.
Amin also praised the team's preparation, noting they had 'studied UAE's film' and came in sharp. With Tunisia and Bahrain already behind them, Algeria suddenly look like serious title contenders — unbeaten and mostly unbothered.
Today will be a rest day for all teams, but the action continues tomorrow. Qatar will open the day vs Algeria at 4PM, Tunisia will take on UAE at 6PM, and Bahrain will face high-flying Egypt at 8PM.
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