Manama crowned BBA Cup champions

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Manama were last night crowned champions of the 2021/2022 Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA) Cup. Manama clinched the title following a 103-97 victory over Al Hala in the tournament final, played at Zain Basketball Arena in Um Al Hassam.

American professional Devin Ebanks and Hasan Nowrooz combined for 67 points to spearhead the winners in the contest. It was the 17th title for Manama in the history of the competition, which remains as the most ever.

It was also Manama’s first BBA Cup triumph since the 2019/2020 season. They had lost in the final last year to Al Najma, who clinched the trophy for the first time. This year’s BBA Cup was contested by the local Bahraini clubs without any national team players, as well as with only one import per squad.

Ebanks top scored for Manama with 34 points while Nowrooz added 33. Mohammed Jassim contributed 11, while Ali Hussain had nine. For Hala, US pro Anthony McClain led all scorers with 38 points. Sayed Kadhem Majed chipped in with 12, and Hussain Salman had 11 in the loss.

Manama led 28-26 at the end of the first quarter but then a dominant second period where they erupted for 35 points helped them power ahead to a 61-41 advantage at the interval.

Hala were able to mount a comeback in the third, reducing the deficit to 67-82 heading into the final period. There, however, Manama proved to be too strong on the night and were able to come up with the big plays to preserve their lead until the final whistle, despite Hala making things interesting and narrowing the gap in the final minutes.

Following the final, Manama and Hala were awarded their respective trophies and medals by BBA president Waleed Al Alawi and other officials.