Qatar Eyes seventh title as Gulf Championship final beckons

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: editor@newsofbahrain.com

Qatar secured their place in yet another Gulf Basketball Championship final, beating Saudi Arabia 76-63 in the semi-final.

Earlier in the tournament, Saudi Arabia pulled off a stunning 81-79 overtime win against Qatar, but Qatar avenged their defeat when it mattered most.

The game opened evenly, with both teams locked at 22- 22 after the first quarter.

Qatar’s defense then tightened in the second quarter, limiting Saudi Arabia to just 9 points while adding 13 of their own.

This defensive stand gave Qatar a narrow 4-point lead as they headed into halftime, shifting the momentum in their favor.

Qatar’s Dominant Finish Seals the Win Saudi Arabia responded in the third quarter with a strong 21-point showing, but Qatar maintained its composure.

In the critical fourth quarter, Qatar released an offensive surge, outscoring Saudi Arabia 23-11.

Qatar’s ability to execute under pressure, coupled with their disciplined defense, proved too much for Saudi Arabia to handle.

This late-game push solidified their win and a spot in the championship final.

Michel Oneal Lewis was the standout player for Qatar, putting in a well-rounded performance with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal while shooting 33% from the field.

His leadership on both ends of the floor played a pivotal role in Qatar’s win.