4 days ago
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.
