Manama, Al Ahli stay undefeated

TDT | Manama                 

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com 

Defending champions Manama and contenders Al Ahli were both victorious last night in their week eight games in the 2022/2023 Zain Bahrain Basketball League.

Manama showed their class in a resounding 102-85 win over Al Hala, while Ahli used a furious end-game rally in the fourth quarter to come away with an 80-68 win over Bahrain Club.

Both victors were able to maintain their undefeated records so far in the new national basketball season.

Manama were the aggressors in their game against Hala from the opening tip.

They took a 23- 16 lead at the end of the opening quarter and extended it to 54-36 at the half.

Hala tried to valiantly battle back but Manama were too good on the night, extending their advantage to as many as 22 points in the fourth period en route to their sixth straight win.

Five players finished in double figures for Manama, with Elijah Alon-Love leading the way with 26 points, including three three-pointers.

Ahmed Najaf added 18 off the bench while Mohammed Ameer and Hassan Nowrooz had 16 apiece, with Ahmed Salman chipping in with 13.

For Hala, who went to a 2-4 win-loss record, import Tony Christopher poured in 39 points to go with 14 rebounds, while Ahmed Khalifa was the only other player to score over 10 points after finishing with 12.

Meanwhile, in Ahli’s triumph, the game was close for much of the first half and Ahli were ahead 42-37 at the break.

Bahrain Club, however, took control in the third and a Jawad Abdulla lay-up late in the period gave them a 56-53 advantage heading into the final canto.

But there, after Bahrain Club’s Ali Abbas buried a three-pointer to tie the game at 65-all, Ahli went on a decisive 15-3 run until the final buzzer to close out the contest.

Mohammed Kowayed finished as their leading scorer with 24 points, while Ali Aqeel added 17 and professional Lenny McArthur had 16 to go with 16 rebounds.

Gibson Xavier paced Bahrain Club with 19 points in the loss. Sadiq Shukrallah added 18 and Abbas had 13.

Like Manama, Ahli improved to a 6-0 win-loss record, while Bahrain Club dropped to a 3-4 mark.

League action continues tonight with just one game on schedule between Muharraq and Al Najma.

The contest is scheduled for a 7.30pm tip-off Manama’s Ahmed Najaf goes for a lay-up against Al Hala last night at the same venue.