Manama clinch top seed in Golden Square semis

TDT | Manama    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Defending champions Manama secured the top seed last night heading into the Golden Square semi-finals of the 2023/2024 Zain Bahrain Basketball League. Manama claimed the number one spot after defeating Al Ahli 86-73 in both teams’ final fixture of the Top Six round, played at the Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town.

Manama and Ahli were already assured of their places in the Golden Square, with only their seeding needed to be determined heading into yesterday’s clash. The other two spots are being contested between Al Najma, Al Ettihad and Muharraq, who are currently ranked third through fifth, respectively, in the Top Six.

The Golden Square line-up will be confirmed over the next two nights. This evening, Muharraq face off with Al Hala at 9.30pm, with a Muharraq win virtually securing their place. Tomorrow, Ettihad and Najma clash at 9.30pm, with the victor in that game also marching through to the last four.

In Manama’s win last night, they were the early aggressors and took a 19-15 advantage at the end of the first quarter. But Ahli roared back with a strong second period to go up 42- 37 at the half. Manama, however, regained control in the third and took a slim 60-57 edge into the final canto.

There, they further extended their advantage and enjoyed their biggest lead of the game of their final winning margin of 13 points. Mohammed Ameer scored 18 points to spearhead Manama in the contest, while Travin Thibodeaux added 17. Sir’Dominic Pointer nearly finished with a triple-double, posting 16 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists, while Ahmed Salman chipped in with 13 in the win.