Bapco Energies steal the crown! Dramatic comeback secures 2024 women's basketball title

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Hussain Almaskati

Bapco Energies clinched the 2024 Bahrain Women’s Basketball League title, achieving a nail-biting 75-71 comeback victory over Alba at the Bahrain Basketball Association Arena in Um Al Hassam.

The game’s pivotal moment came with Sima Ali Hassan’s go-ahead lay-up, breaking a 71- 71 tie with 38.7 seconds left on the clock.

Stephanie Watts, a former WNBA player, then cemented the win by sinking two critical free throws with just 6.4 seconds remaining.

After this thrilling conclusion, Shaikha Dr. Hessa bint Khalid Al Khalifa of the Bahrain Olympic Committee handed out the trophies and medals to the victorious team and runners-up.

Hassan Yaseen, a BBA board member, was also present for the ceremony.

Stephanie Watts spearheaded Bapco Energies’ efforts with 20 points, while Aya Murtadha contributed 17 points and Sima Ali Hassan added 15 points.

The championship team included Dana Khaled, Aya Abdulhussain, Maryam Hassan, Hawraa Mohammed, Bayan Abdulnabi, Ghadeer Al Arayedh, Fatima Abdulredha, Bayan Osama, Aisha Al Hadi, Nour Yahya Najaf, and Zahrat Munther.

Alba’s standout player was American star Aaliyah Wilson, who scored a game-high 30 points, supported by Meryan Sameer’s 24 points.

Alba’s roster also featured Layan Ahmed, Danica Boura, Maryam Jalal, April Demonte, Zainab Fadhel, Al Anoud Khaled, Jamila Mohammed, Fadak Mohammed, Hessa Jaber, Amina Faisal, Kawthar Abdulmajeed, and Hawraa Jaafar.

For much of the game, Alba maintained the lead, holding a 58-51 advantage at the end of the third quarter and extending it to 64-53.

However, Bapco Energies mounted a remarkable fourth- quarter comeback, narrowing the gap to 65-60. A crucial lay-up by Watts tied the game at 71, paving the way for Hassan and Watts to secure the victory.

In the battle for third place, Al Hala edged out Bahrain Club with a close 58-56 win. BBA secretary general Ahmed Hafiz and Hassan Yaseen awarded the bronze medals.

This final capped off a season filled with excitement, with both Bapco Energies and Alba delivering standout performances that will be remembered for years to come.