Muharraq barge into Golden Square

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Muharraq last night secured their berth in the Golden Square semi-finals of the 2023/2024 Zain Bahrain Basketball League. Muharraq claimed their place following a lopsided 111-69 rout of Al Hala at the Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town.

It was both teams’ last game in the Top Six round, and Muharraq were able to march through to the final four with the result.

They are joining defending champions and Top Six number one seeds Manama as well as perennial contenders Al Ahli in the Golden Square.

The last spot will be determined tonight between Al Najma and Al Ettihad, who both head into their contest tied on the standings with 2-2 win-loss records.

The winners will join the three already qualified clubs in the semi-finals, while the loser will be eliminated.

Their decisive clash is scheduled for a 9.30pm tip-off at the same venue. It will mark the end of the league’s Top Six phase. It will also confirm the two matchups in the Golden Square, which will each be played in best-ofthree format.

Favourites In last night’s game, Muharraq were the heavy favourites heading into the contest, and they lived up to that tag against their import-less rivals.

They raced out to a 31-17 lead at the end of the first quarter, and then stretched their advantage to 64-40 at the half. In the third, Muharraq continued their dominance and were ahead 88- 56 heading into the final frame, where they didn’t let up despite clearing their bench en route to the 42-point win.

Muharraq enjoyed leads as big as 44 points against an overmatched Hala. Bader Abdulla Malabes finished with a team-high 23 points for the victors. He was red hot from beyond the arc, burying five three-pointers for Muharraq.

Mohammed Juma’a added 15 points and Baqer Isa had 14, while Ali Shukrallah posted a rare triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to go along with five steals.