Ahli, Hala take Golden Square openers
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Al Ahli and Al Hala last night won the opening game of their respective Golden Square semi-final series in the 2021/2022 Zain Bahrain Basketball League.
Ahli, the league’s back-to-back defending champions, finished strong in a 90-76 victory over Muharraq, while underdogs Hala stunned heavily favoured Manama 81-78 to take a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three clash.
Both games were played at the Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town. Ahli will now look to complete a two-game sweep of Muharraq when they face off once again in game two on Monday.
Hala, on the other hand, will be hoping to stave off a Manama fightback and win the second game of their series on Tuesday. In Ahli’s win last night, they took control of a close contest in the final period, where they outscored Muharraq 24-14 and led by as many as 14 points.
Mohammed Kuwayed gave Ahli their biggest lead for the first time with one of two free-throws with just under two minutes to go. Ahli had started the period up just 66-62, but then used a 12-6 run to begin the fourth to go up by double digits.
Muharraq never recovered, and Ahli did well to keep their opponents at bay until the final buzzer. Maitham Jameel led five Ahli players in double figures with 22 points, including an impressive five three-pointers.
American Adrian Uter chipped in with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Hesham Sarhan had 15, Subah Hussain 13 and Kuwayed 10. For Muharraq, Sammy Monroe scored 22 points, Dewayne Jackson was held to just 15 and Bader Abdulla Malabes finished with 14.
In Hala’s victory, American Brian Halums scored their last eight points of the contest including the tying lay-up that made it 75-all with a minute-and-a-half remaining, as well as the go-ahead free-throws with just 34 seconds left.
He then made another four pressure-packed charity shots to help Hala seal the hard-earned win and take the one-game advantage in their Golden Square clash. The game was tight throughout, and Hala needed to fight back in the final period to turn around a 10-point deficit.
Halums finished with 26 points and nine rebounds, but also had nine turnovers. Countryman Anthony McClain added 22 points and 15 rebounds while Sayed Kadhem Majed and Ahmed Khalifa both contributed 11 markers.
For Manama, Devin Ebanks had 25 points while Ahmed Salman scored 14 while dishing out eight assists. Mohammed Ameer added 11 and Hasan Nowrooz and Davion Berry each had 10.
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