Latest news with #ZainBahrainBasketballLeague
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
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Muharraq Fight Back, Force Decisive Game 5
TDT | Manama Muharraq kept their championship hopes alive with a 68-57 win over Al Ahli in Game 4 of the Zain Bahrain Basketball League finals at Khalifa Sports City Arena. The result ties the best-of-five series at 2-2 and sets up a winner-takesall Game 5 on Saturday. A Blistering Start From the opening tip, Muharraq set the tone, storming to an 18-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. Their aggressive defence stifled Al Ahli's attack, while sharp ball movement kept the scoreboard ticking. By halftime, they held a 35-28 advantage and pushed the gap to 55-41 after a dominant third period. The final score reflected their control, as Al Ahli struggled to gain momentum against sustained pressure. Electric Atmosphere Khalifa Sports City Arena was a cauldron of noise, with fans from both sides in full voice, trading chants to unsettle the opposition. The benches matched the crowd's energy, with coaches animatedly directing their teams through every possession. Bahraini sports officials, present in force, added to the sense of occasion, as the arena pulsed with anticipation for a match that could have crowned a champion. With the series tied, the title will come down to a decisive Game 5. Both sides will need to stay focused and disciplined to claim the crown. The Zain Bahrain Basketball League final concludes with a blockbuster finale on 31 May at Khalifa Sports City Arena. Muharraq's defence and depth give them momentum, but Al Ahli's bounce-back ability leaves everything to play for.
Daily Tribune
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Zain Bahrain Basketball League Final: Al Ahli v Muharraq
TDT | Manama Al Ahli stand one win from Zain Bahrain Basketball League glory as they prepare to face Muharraq in a crucial Game 4 tomorrow at Khalifa Sports City Arena. Al Ahli pulled off a tight 86-83 win over Muharraq in Game 3 on Sunday, taking a 2-1 lead in this best-of-five final series. The result puts them within touching distance of the title, but Muharraq, known for their tenacity, will aim to level the series in tomorrow's 7:00 PM tip-off. Game 3 Recap Sunday's match was a classic, with Al Ahli clinging to a 45-42 advantage at the break. A lively crowd, joined by Bahraini sports officials, created a cauldron of noise at Khalifa Sports City Arena. The return of Al Ahli's Maitham Jameel and Muharraq's Sir Dominic, both defying injury, added technical flair to a tightly contested affair. The match turned in the fourth quarter when, with Muharraq leading 69-66 and six minutes to play, a scuffle saw Mohammed Ameer (Muharraq) and Jameel (Al Ahli) ejected. Al Ahli, undeterred, showed composure beyond their years, managing the clock expertly in the closing stages to secure a three-point win. Key Players Al Ahli's American star Rice was instrumental in Game 3, pouring in 22 points, with Jameel (16) and Stone (14) providing vital support. Muharraq leaned on new recruit Keron Deshields, who led all scorers with 23 points, while Tony Mitchell and the now-suspended Ameer added 15 apiece. With Ameer absent, Muharraq's bench will need to step up to counter Al Ahli's depth. What's at Stake This rivalry has delivered drama in spades, and Game 4 promises more. Al Ahli's ability to stay calm under pressure gives them a slight edge, but Muharraq's resilience makes them dangerous. A win tomorrow seals the championship for Al Ahli; a Muharraq win forces a decisive Game 5. Three to Watch Can Al Ahli exploit Muharraq's missing piece? Ameer's ejection leaves a gap in Muharraq's lineup—will Al Ahli target this weakness? Will Deshields keep Muharraq in the fight? The American's 23-point haul in Game 3 was electric—can he repeat it? How will emotions shape the game? After Game 3's flashpoint, both sides must channel their intensity without crossing the line. When and Where Tip-off is at 7:00 PM tomorrow at Khalifa Sports City Arena, where another capacity crowd is expected. Al Ahli are on the cusp of the title, but Muharraq's fighting spirit means this is far from over.
Daily Tribune
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Al Ahli Pip Muharraq, Title Within Reach
TDT | Manama Al Ahli's second consecutive win over Muharraq in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League final keeps them one step from glory. Al Ahli took a strong lead in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League final series with a tight 86-83 win over rivals Muharraq in Game 3 on Sunday at Khalifa Sports City Arena. With this win, Al Ahli now lead the best-of-five series 2-1, putting them on the cusp of clinching the title. The two sides will face again on Wednesday at 7:00 PM for Game 4, where Al Ahli could seal the championship. Tight Contest The match was close from tip-off, with Al Ahli holding a slender 45-42 lead at halftime. Both teams brought intensity, spurred on by a packed crowd and the presence of Bahraini sports officials. The return of Al Ahli's Maitham Jameel and Muharraq's Sir Dominic, both battling through injuries, added lure to the spectacle. The game's turning point came in the fourth quarter. With six minutes left and Muharraq leading 69-66, a scuffle saw Muharraq's Mohammed Ameer and Al Ahli's Jameel ejected. The tension boiled over, but Al Ahli kept their cool. In a frantic final stretch, they outmaneuvered Muharraq, managing the clock expertly to protect their three-point lead until the buzzer. Standout Performers Al Ahli's professional star Rice led the charge with 22 points, backed by Jameel's 16 and Stone's 14. For Muharraq, new signing Keron Deshields topped the scoring with 23 points, while Tony Mitchell and Ameer each chipped in 15. Despite Muharraq's fight, Al Ahli's composure in the clutch moments proved decisive. Finals Fever As expected, the atmosphere was electric, with supporters from both sides packing Khalifa Sports City Arena. The rivalry, steeped in history, delivered another chapter of high drama. The ejections added interest, but Al Ahli's ability to stay focused under pressure showed their championship pedigree. Wednesday's Game 4 promises more of the same, with Muharraq desperate to level the series and Al Ahli eyeing the trophy. Game 4 Looms Al Ahli are now one win away from the title, but Muharraq, known for their resilience, won't go down without a fight. Game 4 could be the decider, and both teams will need to bring their A-game. Al Ahli's knack for closing out tight matches gives them the edge, but in a rivalry this tense, nothing is guaranteed. —---------------------------------------- Key Takeaways You Know What? Despite their ejections, Maitham Jameel (16 points) and Mohammed Ameer (15 points) clashed briefly in the fourth quarter, but their contributions still kept their teams in the hunt until the final whistle.
