Latest news with #44thWilliamJonesCup
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Sport
- 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
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Relentless Bahrain Put Australia to the Sword
TDT | Manama Vovoras' men post tournament-best 106 points to stay perfect in William Jones Cup Bahrain's scorching form at the 44th William Jones Cup continued on Tuesday morning with a 106-91 win over Australia United, their fourth consecutive win in the tournament. Led by head coach Georgios Vovoras, the Kingdom's national team posted their highest scoring total so far, and absorbed the highest total any opponent has put up past them. This was both teams' toughest defensive test yet. The victory followed earlier wins against Japan U25 (85-69), Chinese Taipei White (71-63), and Malaysia (81-69). Now 4-0, Bahrain move into tomorrow's match against the UAE brimming with confidence. Fast Start Bahrain wasted no time asserting themselves, exploding for 32 first-quarter points while holding Australia to just 17. The opening frame reflected Bahrain's interior dominance and ball movement — a theme that would run all night. Despite a 25-24 second quarter in Australia's favor, Bahrain maintained control to take a 56-42 halftime lead. The third quarter was equally impressive, with Bahrain outscoring Australia 27-21 thanks to smart cuts, second-chance points, and unselfish play. Though Australia fought back in the fourth, Bahrain stayed in control to close out a 15-point win. Balanced Scoring JaKarr Sampson led all scorers with 21 points on 56.3% shooting, adding six rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes. He was one of five Bahrain players in double figures. Mohamed Hamoda was electric off the bench, scoring 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while Mustafa Rashed controlled the tempo with 16 points and a game-high 10 assists. Devon Chism had a near double-double with 11 points and 10 boards in just under 19 minutes. Ali Alhaddad also impressed, scoring 11 points and hitting two key threes. In total, 10 different players scored for Bahrain. Chemistry on Display Bahrain shot 53% from the field, dished out 33 assists, and dominated the paint, scoring 44 two-point field goals — including 33-of-49 inside the arc (67.3%). Their ability to move the ball and exploit mismatches kept Australia scrambling defensively. Defensively, Bahrain forced 11 turnovers and converted 13 offensive rebounds into second-chance points. They also edged the rebounding battle, 43-40. What's Next? Bahrain face the UAE tomorrow at 8AM (Bahrain time), continuing their grueling eight-game run in Taipei. Later this week, they'll take on Qatar B, Chinese Taipei's senior squad, and defending champions Strong Group Athletics. With four wins in four games and their offense peaking, Bahrain's campaign is building serious momentum.
Qatar Tribune
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar's reserve basketball team to face Philippines in Taiwan today
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar's reserve basketball team will face The Philippines in the fourth round of the 44th William Jones Cup in Taipei (Taiwan) on Tuesday. The matchup follows Qatar's close 77-82 loss to Australia in a high-intensity game that remained competitive until the final moments. Despite the defeat, Qatar's reserve squad delivered one of its strongest performances against a formidable opponent. The team led 21-19 after the first quarter but trailed slightly in the second, with Australia edging out 19-15. The third quarter ended in a 19-19 tie, while Australia secured the win in the fourth quarter with a 25-22 advantage, clinching the game by a narrow five-point margin. With this result, Qatar's reserve team holds four points in the group standings, earned through a victory over the UAE and losses to Japan and Australia. The team is now focused on regaining momentum against the Philippines. The Qatar Basketball Federation is leveraging the tournament to nurture young talent with the reserve team serving as a vital pipeline for the senior squad ahead of upcoming continental and Arab competitions. The team's participation aligns with a strategic vision to develop promising players for future success. Qatar's reserve team is also preparing for the 36th Arab Basketball Championship, scheduled to take place in Manama, Bahrain, from July 25 to August 2, 2025, following Tunisia's withdrawal as hosts. The tournament will feature teams from Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Palestine, and host nation Bahrain. Leading the delegation in Taiwan is Meshal Abdullah Al Malki, a member of the Qatar Basketball Federation's board. The squad includes a talented roster of young players: Abdullah Yassin, Owen Ekena Amah, Raslan Rashid Al-Abdulla, Mubarak Rashid Jama, Mohammed Saeed Badri, Osama Abdelnasser, Tamim Abu Issa, Azzam Mohammed, Mohammed Ahmed, Mahmoud Diab, Issa Alert, Hamza Al Attar, and Diyan Janic. Qatar's remaining matches in the William Jones Cup include Chinese Taipei 'B' on July 16, Bahrain on July 17, Chinese Taipei 'A' on July 19, and Malaysia on July 20, concluding their tournament campaign.
Daily Tribune
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain stay unbeaten after pulling away late vs Malaysia
TDT | Manama Third straight win for the Kingdom in the William Jones Cup Bahrain continued their unbeaten run at the 44th William Jones Cup with an 81–69 win over Malaysia on Monday morning in New Taipei City, improving their record to 3–0. The result follows back-to-back wins over Japan U25 (85–69) and hosts Chinese Taipei White (71–63). After a tight first half in which Bahrain trailed by three late in the second quarter, a 25-point third period shifted momentum decisively. Mustafa Rashed led Bahrain's scoresheet with 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including five threes, while Jakarr Sampson added 22 points and 7 rebounds. Quarter-by-Quarter Malaysia opened with a close first half, staying within striking distance. They trailed just 15–13 after the opening quarter and briefly took the lead before Bahrain responded. The sides went into the break with Bahrain narrowly ahead, 35–38. The third quarter, however, saw Bahrain turn the screws defensively, holding Malaysia to just 10 points while pouring in 25 of their own behind key buckets from Sampson and Ahmed Bindayneh. Despite a 21-point fourth-quarter effort from Malaysia, Bahrain closed the game out comfortably. Standouts and stats Beyond Rashed and Sampson, Subah Azzam had a solid outing with 8 points and 2 threes in just 20 minutes. Devon Chism contributed 8 points and 11 rebounds, while Ali Rashed provided playmaking off the bench with 4 assists and efficient minutes. Defensively, Bahrain held Malaysia to 38.8% shooting, including just 24.1% from three, and dominated the glass with 43 total rebounds. Bahrain's 22 team assists reflected strong ball movement and rhythm in halfcourt sets. Malaysia were led by Yi Hou Wong, who scored 27 points, but received little support, with only Chun Hong Ting (18 points) also reaching double figures. What's next? Bahrain's next opponent is Australia United tomorrow at 8AM, followed by matchups against the UAE, Qatar B, Chinese Taipei, and Strong Group Athletics across a packed week.
Daily Tribune
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Back in the Game
TDT | Manama Bahrain's 47-year wait ends as William Jones Cup kicks off today The 44th William Jones Cup begins today in Chinese Taipei, running through July 20. Bahrain's senior men's basketball team returns to the Asian tournament for only the second time since 1978, ending a 47-year absence. The William Jones Cup serves as preparation ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah. Match Schedule Bahrain will play eight games in nine days UAE Friendlies Ahead of the tournament, Bahrain wrapped up a training camp with the UAE, winning two friendlies decisively — 101–71 and 94–76 — both at Khalifa Sports Hall. These matches helped Coach Georgios Vovoras test lineups and build team chemistry. Final Squad Wayne Chism Jakarr Sampson Mustafa Hussain Mohamed Buallay Ahmed Salman Muzamil Ameer Mohamed Alameer Ali Jassim Mohamed Yousef Ahmed bin Jinnah Abdulaziz Abdulla
