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Daily Tribune
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
No Taming the Wolves
Muharraq beat Al Ahli 80-76 in Game 5 to win the Zain Bahrain Basketball League title A Finale for the Ages Muharraq are champions of the Zain Bahrain Basketball League after a 80-76 win over Al Ahli in Game 5 at Khalifa Sports City Arena on Saturday. In a finale that lived up to the billing of this storied rivalry, Muharraq's poise saw them overcome a threatening Al Ahli comeback to clinch the title in front of a deafening crowd. The win capped a rollercoaster series, with Game 5 only necessary after Muharraq's comfortable 68-57 win in Game 4 forced the decider. Muharraq's early dominance in the final game was tested by Al Ahli's relentless third-quarter surge. But in the clutch moments, Muharraq's stars stood tall, delivering a victory that will echo through Bahrain's basketball support. Game 4 Sets the Stage The road to Game 5 was paved with Muharraq's heroics in Game 4, where they steamrolled Al Ahli 68-57 to keep their title hopes alive. They set the tone early, racing to an 18-7 lead in the first quarter with suffocating defence and sharp offence. Mohammed Nasser led the way with 20 points, filling the void left by Mohammed Ameer's absence, while Sir Dominic (19 points) and Keron (12 points) kept the pressure on. 'We stayed relaxed and stuck to the plan,' Muharraq's Mahmood Abbas said post-game. 'Focus and defence were our pillars.' Al Ahli, despite 19 points each from Sutton and Rice, couldn't recover from early mistakes, setting up the do-or-die match. Tale of Two Halves Game 5 was a classic from the jump. Muharraq stormed out of the gates, building a 19-7 lead after the first quarter with aggressive defence that rattled Al Ahli's shooters. By halftime, they were up 41-28, with slick ball movement and smart shot selection keeping them in control. But Al Ahli, refusing to go quietly, flipped the script in the third, outscoring Muharraq 30-15 in a blistering run that tied the game. The arena was electric, fans on edge as momentum swung wildly. The fourth quarter was where champions are made. Muharraq regrouped, leaning on their veterans to steady the ship. They edged Al Ahli 24-18 in the final frame, with clutch baskets and stout defence sealing the 80-76 win. Hassan Yasine sealed the win with a free throw as the final action of the match. The stat sheet told the story: balanced scoring and a knack for big stops when it mattered most. Rivalry Delivers Muharraq's success was a team effort, but their key players rose to the occasion. The absence of Ameer didn't faze them, with Nasser and Sir Dominic again proving their worth in the clutch. Al Ahli fought well, their third-quarter explosion a reminder of their quality, but missed opportunities and Muharraq's defensive resolve proved decisive. 'They wanted it more in Game 4, and they showed it again tonight,' Al Ahli's Ali Shukrallah admitted after the loss. 'We'll regroup and come back stronger.' This series, with its twists and turns—Muharraq's 101-87 rout in Game 1, Al Ahli's gritty 77-72 and 86-83 wins in Games 2 and 3, and Muharraq's Game 4 revival—delivered drama at every turn. Game 5 was the perfect crescendo, a testament to both teams' heart and Bahrain's thriving basketball scene. A Title for the Fans As the final buzzer sounded, Khalifa Sports City Arena erupted, Muharraq's faithful celebrating a hard-fought championship. This victory, their first League title since 2018, cements their status as Bahrain's basketball standard-bearers. For Al Ahli, it's a bitter pill, but their resilience throughout the series bodes well for future battles. With the curtain falling on the 2024/2025 season, Muharraq's clutch performance in Game 5 will be remembered as the moment they turned the tide and claimed their crown. Q1: 19–7 Muharraq Q2: 22–21 Muharraq Q3: 15–30 Al Ahli
Daily Tribune
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Muharraq Snatch Khalifa Bin Salman Cup in Electric Final
TDT | Manama Muharraq fought back to beat Manama 89-86 in an explosive final on Wednesday night, lifting the Khalifa Bin Salman Basketball Cup at Khalifa Sports City Arena. Trailing by seven at halftime (41-48), Muharraq stormed back in front of a deafening crowd, with American guard Myron Gordon dropping 30 points in a performance that defined the comeback. Mohammed Nasser (13 points), Mohammed Ameer (12), Tony Mitchell (11), and Ali Husain Ali all hit double digits in scoring to seal the deal. Manama's Tony Carr led all scorers with 28 points but couldn't drag his side over the finish line. A Crown in Front of Kings of the Court The final unfolded in a jubilant atmosphere, as fans packed the venue, waving club scarves and erupting with every big play. Adding to the spectacle was the high-profile guest list, which included FIBA president Shaikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani, Arab Basketball Federation president Major General Ismail Al Gergawi, and Saudi Olympic Committee vice president Prince Fahad bin Jalawi. The final also coincided with the FIBA Congress and the Hall of Fame ceremony, further boosting Bahrain's growing status as a regional sporting powerhouse. BOC secretary general Faris Al Kooheji personally welcomed the global basketball delegation at Bahrain International Airport, conveying greetings from Supreme Council for Youth and Sport first deputy chairman and BOC president HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Glory Lifted, Respect Shared At the post-match ceremony, Bahrain Olympic Committee vice president Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa presented the trophy to Muharraq Club and praised both teams for their elite-level basketball and sportsmanship. He hailed Muharraq's win as a reward for the club's season-long commitment and also lauded Manama for their high standard of play and professionalism. A Night That Meant More "This win reflects the hard work of Muharraq's management and technical staff this season," said Shaikh Isa, adding that the packed arena and seamless organisation "show how far Bahraini basketball has come in terms of performance and event hosting." With the world watching and the stakes sky-high, Bahrain delivered a final for the ages, and Muharraq stood tallest when it mattered most.
