Ahli stay alive, Manama through to finals

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Defending champions Al Ahli lived to fight another day last night while Manama secured their berth in the championship series of the 2020/2021 Zain Bahrain Basketball League.

Ahli defeated Muharraq 87-73 to even their Golden Square semi-final series at 1-1 and force a decisive, winner take-all third game, which is scheduled to be played on Wednesday.

Manama, meanwhile, outclassed Al Najma 115-96 to seal a 2-0 sweep of their final four match-ups and punch their return tickets to the title round.

In Ahli’s win, the victors used a strong third quarter where they outscored Muharraq 34-21 to take control of the contest. Newly signed American professional Mike Harris led the way for Ahli against his former club, finishing with a monster 29-point, 20-rebound effort.

Ahmed Aldurazi chipped in with 15, while Maitham Jameel and Hesham Sarhan each contributed 13. Jameel was back in the Ahli line-up after missing the first game of the Golden Square with a hand injury.

Mohammed Kuwayed paced Muharraq in the loss with 17, while Mohammed Juma’a and Bader Abdulla Malabes had 15 apiece. In Manama’s win, they had a 33-18 second quarter and never looked back, leading by as many as 23.

American Earl Clark had 33 points and 19 rebounds for Manama. Hasan Nowrooz and Ahmed Salman added 23 and 21, respectively, as they each buried an impressive five three-pointers in the game.

Ali Jaber had 27 as Najma’s leading scorer. Big man CJ Giles added 20 points and 12 boards.