Ettihad stun Muharraq in semis opener

TDT | Manama                                                             

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Al Ettihad took a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three Golden Square semi-final series against Muharraq last night in the 2022/2023 Zain Bahrain Basketball League. Ettihad took game one 96-82 at the Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town.

Ettihad will now be looking to close out the series in game two on Wednesday next week. Game three, if needed, will be held on Saturday. Cleanthony Early poured in 37 points, including six three-pointers, to spearhead Ettihad.

Viacheslav Kravstov added 20 in the win, while Ali Jassim added 13. Dajuan Summers had 26 to pace Muharraq while Dewayne Jackson scored 15 in the loss. The league’s other Golden Square clash will be between heated rivals Manama and Al Ahli.

Manama are the league’s defending champions and will have to go through their long-time nemesis in their hopes to retain their crown. Game one is scheduled for Thursday next week, after which game two will be held on May 25.

Game three, if needed, will take place May 28. Meanwhile, Manama and Ahli are set for another epic clash when they face off tonight in game three of the Golden Square semis in the Khalifa bin Salman Cup. The thrilling rubber-match will be held at 7pm at the Khalifa Sports City Arena and will determine the other finalists for the prestigious tournament.

Manama won game one 90-88 but then Ahli forced the decider after taking game two 81-68. Muharraq have already booked their tickets to the final after sweeping past Sitra in their Golden Square series. The Khalifa bin Salman Cup final has yet to be scheduled by the BBA.