Muharraq surge late to defeat Bahrain Club in BBA Cup

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Muharraq defeated Bahrain Club 102-84 last night to get their campaign underway on a positive note in the 2020/2021 Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA) Cup, which is being played at Zain Basketball Arena in Um Al Hassam.

The victors used a strong fourth quarter to turn away a solid challenge from their opponents, whom they outscored 30-13 in the period.

That helped Muharraq blow a close fight wide open en route to securing their 18-point triumph.

The game marked the first appearance in Muharraq colours for newly signed veterans and former national team stars Hussain Shaker and Ahmed Abdulaziz, who were among the club’s new high-profile additions during the off-season. The other two, Kuwayed brothers Mohammed and Younes, did not play last night.

Muharraq clinched their first win in the cup’s Group A, which also comprises Bahrain Club, Al Ettihad, Nuwaidrat, Isa Town and defending league champions Al Ahli.

Meanwhile, in yesterday’s other game, Al Hala defeated Riffa by default, as the Riffa team did not show up for the game.
 That gave both Hala their first win in Group B, joining Manama and Al Najma. Manama beat Samaheej while Najma outplayed Sitra.

This stage of the BBA Cup, which is the first competition of the 2020/2021 national basketball season, is being played in a single round-robin within each group, with the top two teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

Each club is allowed one foreign player in the tournament, while none of Bahrain’s national team players are competing. Teams are encouraged to give their younger players experience in this level of competition.