A furious third-quarter surge powers U16s past Qatar, opening Arab Championship in style
Halftime Turnaround
Coach Rassem Al Marzooqi's halftime adjustments paid instant dividends. The reintroduction of Hassan Abdulqader proved pivotal as youngster's successive baskets in the paint flipped the score and injected new energy. A 30–8 blitz in the third quarter, built on tight perimeter defense and rapid counter-attacks, swung the game decisively Bahrain's way. By the end of the period, they were cruising at 62–45.
Closing With Authority
Qatar, who had controlled much of the first half, wilted under Bahrain's relentless pressure in the fourth. Steals turned into layups, the lead ballooned to 23, and the final minutes became a show for Bahrain's offensive depth. A 28–13 closing quarter sealed a 32-point win and sent a clear message to the rest of the field.
What's Next
With two points secured, and buoyed by last month's Gulf Championship title, Bahrain now prepare to face Algeria today at 3:00 PM in their second group game. Qatar, who take one point from the defeat, will look to regroup after watching a strong start dissolve under Bahrain's second-half dominance.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
A furious third-quarter surge powers U16s past Qatar, opening Arab Championship in style
Bahrain's U16 national basketball team overcame a sluggish start but made a sharp recovery to thrash Qatar 90–58 in their opening game of the 22nd Arab Youth Championship at Cairo International Stadium. The young Reds trailed 18–15 after the first period and 37–32 at halftime, undone early by lapses in defensive focus and hurried shot selection. Halftime Turnaround Coach Rassem Al Marzooqi's halftime adjustments paid instant dividends. The reintroduction of Hassan Abdulqader proved pivotal as youngster's successive baskets in the paint flipped the score and injected new energy. A 30–8 blitz in the third quarter, built on tight perimeter defense and rapid counter-attacks, swung the game decisively Bahrain's way. By the end of the period, they were cruising at 62–45. Closing With Authority Qatar, who had controlled much of the first half, wilted under Bahrain's relentless pressure in the fourth. Steals turned into layups, the lead ballooned to 23, and the final minutes became a show for Bahrain's offensive depth. A 28–13 closing quarter sealed a 32-point win and sent a clear message to the rest of the field. What's Next With two points secured, and buoyed by last month's Gulf Championship title, Bahrain now prepare to face Algeria today at 3:00 PM in their second group game. Qatar, who take one point from the defeat, will look to regroup after watching a strong start dissolve under Bahrain's second-half dominance.
Daily Tribune
24-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Eyes on the Arab Crown
TDT | Manama Fresh off a bronze medal in Taiwan, Bahrain's basketball stars return home hungry for the Arab Championship Bahrain's national basketball team is back on home soil tonight, carrying momentum and confidence into a tournament they're determined to win. The nationals will open their campaign in the 26th Arab Basketball Championship with a primetime clash against Qatar at 8 PM inside Isa Town's Khalifa Sports Hall. The matchup headlines the tournament's opening day, which also features Tunisia vs Algeria at 4 PM and Kuwait vs UAE at 6 PM. Egypt will sit out the first round with a scheduled rest. This year's edition, the first ever to be held in Bahrain, follows a single round-robin format. All seven teams — Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia — will face one another once. The team with the most points at the end will be crowned champion. Momentum from Taiwan Bahrain enters the tournament riding a wave of confidence after their bronze medal at the 44th William Jones Cup in Taiwan. This is a headline feat as it stands as the best-ever finish by an Arab team in the event's long history. 'It wasn't easy, but we showed we belong at that level,' said forward Mohammed Hamoda, reflecting on the 6–2 campaign that included wins over teams from Japan, Australia, Chinese Taipei, and the UAE. 'For us, that was more than a podium finish. It was preparation and a signal that we're moving in the right direction.' Bahrain's only two defeats came against host Chinese Taipei and reigning champions the Philippines, who ultimately retained their title. Both games were played without several key starters, yet the team still managed to finish third, with Hamoda crediting the staff and players for pushing through tough conditions.'We gained so much from that experience,' he added. 'Now, the Arab Championship is here. We've won the Gulf Championship already but this, this is the one we want next. Step by step, we'll be ready.' Proud, But Not Satisfied Guard Mohammed Bu Ali echoed that sentiment, calling the third-place finish in Taiwan both 'historic and unfinished business.' 'Our ambition was to take gold there,' he said. 'But the level of competition was world-class. We didn't have all our stars in the last two games, and that made a difference, but even so, third place was something no Arab team has done before.' Bu Ali sees the William Jones Cup experience as fuel, saying, 'Now we bring that same energy home. We want to honor our country, our fans, and our region. The Arab Championship, to me, means even more than the Gulf title we won. And we're not done yet.' He smiled, adding: 'And we know the fans don't need an invitation. They'll be there. They always are.' Focused on the Finish Ahmed Salman kept his message short but sharp. 'We're ready,' he said. 'We're playing at home, we know what's expected. The ambition, as always, is to finish with the cup.' Bahrain's players sent a clear message that hosting alone won't satisfy them. They are here to win the championship. Head coach Georgios Vovoras will now look to fine-tune a squad that has both depth and chemistry — two assets that were sharpened during the team's time in Taiwan. Tournament Director Mohammed Ahmed confirmed all logistics are complete and delegations have been arriving throughout the week. Tournament Schedule Bahrain's group-stage fixtures are all set for 8 PM tip-offs: - Tonight vs Qatar - July 26 vs UAE - July 27 vs Tunisia - July 29 vs Egypt - August 1 vs Algeria - August 2 vs Kuwait All teams will rest on July 28 and July 31, with final standings determined by total points (2 for a win, 1 for a loss).
Daily Tribune
19-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Liverpool line up swoop for Frankfurt striker Ekitike: reports
Liverpool are preparing to launch a bid for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike after missing out on Newcastle's Alexander Isak, according to reports yesterday. The Premier League champions have switched their focus to Ekitike following Newcastle's refusal to sell Sweden striker Isak, who is valued at around £150 million ($201 million) by the Magpies. The Reds are trying to complete a deal for France international Ekitike by this weekend after he reportedly indicated he was willing to move to Anfield. Liverpool are set to offer over £70 million ($94 million) for Ekitike, who has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Manchester United. The 23-year-old scored 22 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt last season after joining the Bundesliga club from Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool have an opening in their forward line after Diogo Jota's recent death in a car crash in Spain. The Reds are also believed to be willing to sell Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, while Colombia forward Luis Diaz has been the target of a rejected bid from Bayern Munich. Liverpool have already splashed out £116 million on Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz, as well as signing defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively. Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has also linked up with Arne Slot's side since the end of last season after agreeing his move from Valencia in 2024.
