Muharraq, Ahli power to victories

Muharraq and Al Ahli posted contrasting victories last night in the Top Six Division of the Zain Bahrain Basketball League, being played at Zain Arena in Um Al Hassam. Muharraq cruised past Al Najma 110-86 while Ahli eked out a narrow 93-89 win over Al Hala.

With both results, Muharraq claimed their third win in as many games to stay undefeated while Ahli claimed their second win in three outings. League action continues tonight with a game each in the Top Six and in the Silver Division. Manama clash with Riffa at 7.30pm in the Top Six fixture following the 5.45pm game between Bahrain Club and Al Ettihad.

In Muharraq’s victory, they used a strong second quarter to extend their 19-16 lead at the end of the first to a 52-39 advantage at the half. They continued their fine play in the third before closing out strong with a 34-point final period. Muharraq went ahead by as many as 24 points in the contest.

American professional Kevin Murphy scored 34 points, including three three-pointers, and grabbed 15 rebounds. Mohammed Juma’a came off the bench to add 15 while Ali Rabeea had 12. Mohammed Buallay chipped in with 11 in the win while Sayed Kadhem Majed had 10. Ali Jaffar scored 20 to pace Najma, while Ali Jaber finished with 19 plus Hussain Mohammed had 15.

Najma suffered their third straight loss and remained winless in this stage. In Ahli’s triumph, former NBA player Dexter Pittman made a go-ahead hook shot with under a minute to play to make it 90-89. Free-throws from Pittman and Maytham Jameel then helped Ahli seal the victory.

Pittman ended the game with 30 points and 16 rebounds, while Hesham Sarhan had 28 and sipper Mohammed Qurban added 23. Qurban fired in five triples in the game. Mansour Kasse of Senegal led Hala in defeat with 31 points and 12 boards. Hussain Salman added 21 and 11 assists. Hala fell to their third straight loss and were also winless.