Seeb crowned OBL champions after thrilling win over Al Bashayer
Muscat: Seeb Club has been crowned the champions of the 2024-2025 Oman Basketball League after securing a hard-fought 62-61 victory over Al Bashayer, claiming their sixth title in the tournament's history.
The final match was held under the auspices of Dr Yahya bin Nasser al Khusaibi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, and was attended by Eng Khalfan al Naabi, Chairman of the Oman Basketball Association. The game took place at the secondary hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher on Tuesday night.
Seeb's victory was driven by standout performances from several players. Kely Jordan led the scoring for his team with 27 points, while Mazen al Hadidi and Rashid al Zuhaibi added 7 points each. On the Al Bashayer side, Samkelo Brian was the top scorer with 19 points, followed by Bassam al Busaidi with 11 points and Ahmed al Halhali with 9 points.
Runner-ups Al Bashayer players pose with their medals.
Seeb players receive the OBL Shield from the chief guest.
Nizwa players with their bronze medals.
The game began at a rapid pace, with Seeb launching an early attack through Kelly Jordan, who missed two free throws. Al Bashayer took advantage as Hadeed Bait Bukhait intercepted the ball and scored the first two points. The pressure continued, with Saeed al Saadi extending Al Bashayer's lead to 4-0. Seeb responded through Rashid al Zuhaibi, who put up two points, but Al Bashayer remained aggressive. Saeed al Saadi added another two-pointer, pushing the score to 6-2.
Al Bashayer continued capitalising on scoring opportunities, with Ahmed al Halhali sinking a three-pointer to increase the lead to 9-2. Al Bashayer took the lead at the end of the first quarter with 13-8.
The second quarter began cautiously from both sides, with neither team managing to score in the first two minutes. Eventually, Saeed al Saadi broke the deadlock with two points for Al Bashayer, countered by a free throw from Rashid al Zuhaibi.
Al Bashayer took advantage of Seeb's defensive errors, with Ahmed al Halhali scoring two points from a free throw, followed by a three-pointer from Bassam al Busaidy, extending their lead to 20-15. However, Seeb did not back down, as Mazen al Hadidi and Kelly Jordan orchestrated a comeback, cutting the deficit to 20-19. A defensive mistake from Al Bashayer allowed Kelly Jordan to score another two points, putting Seeb in the lead for the first time at 21-20. The teams continued exchanging points, and by half-time, Al Bashayer were narrowly ahead at 25-23.
An Al Bashayer player tries to go past Seeb players.
Seeb players and support staff celebrate after the win.
Seeb and Al Bashayer players in action during the final.
THRILLING CONTEST
Both teams started the third quarter with aggressive offensive plays. Al Bashayer maintained a 29-25 lead early on, but Seeb quickly responded, with Romero Wilfred scoring two points. Samkelo Bryan added two more for Al Bashayer to keep them ahead by five.
In the fourth minute, Rashid al Zuhaibi scored two points, followed by an incredible three-pointer from Kelly Jordan, tying the score at 32-32. In the final moments of the quarter, Saeed al Saadi put Al Bashayer ahead again with two points, but Seeb responded with a three-pointer from Ahmed al Sanani, putting Seeb ahead at 35-34 before the final quarter.
The excitement continued into the final quarter, with Al Bashayer managing to force a 45-45 tie in the closing moments, sending the game into overtime.
The overtime was filled with back-and-forth scoring, as both teams fought fiercely for the title. In the final seconds, Kelly Jordan sealed the win for Seeb by scoring the last point, securing a dramatic 62-61 victory amid electrifying scenes.
After the final whistle, Dr Yahya al Khasibi and Eng Khalfaan al Naabi presented the awards. Seeb received the gold medals and the league shield, while Al Bashayer took the silver medals, and Nizwa claimed the bronze.
Al Naabi praised the high level of competition in the final, highlighting the close technical battle that resulted in a thrilling last-minute decision. He extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, referees, tournament committees, and the enthusiastic fans for their contributions to the successful season.
Looking ahead, he announced that the ministry Shield Championship will kick off in the coming days, expressing his hope for an equally exciting conclusion to that tournament.
Pics by: Abdulwahid al Hamadani
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