Shabab Al Ahli Snatch Victory from Muharraq Hussain Almaskati

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain champions Muharraq came agonizingly close to avenging an earlier narrow loss to UAE giants Shabab Al Ahli, but fell 84-83 at the BBA Arena yesterday in Group A of the 2025-26 FIBA WASL Gulf League. The Red Wolves were chasing a third straight Gulf League win, hoping to climb the group standings while settling the score after a prior 89-87 defeat to the same opponents.

Muharraq dominated early, storming out to a 21-9 lead in the first quarter. Nicholas Simon West powered the paint with inside scoring, while Kerwin Roach Jr. drove repeatedly to the basket. Timothy Lamont Bond Jr. contributed fast-break points and dunks, as the Red Wolves forced turnovers and outrebounded Shabab Al Ahli 10-5 in the opening frame, energizing the home crowd and setting the stage for a dramatic rematch.

By halftime, Peter Schomers’ side extended their advantage to 48-35, controlling the paint and moving the ball efficiently. Roach Jr. and West kept the scoreboard ticking with midrange jumpers and drives, while Mahmood Khalifa knocked down timely three-pointers.

Shabab Al Ahli, under Miodrag Perisic, responded in the third quarter, outscoring Muharraq 28-22. Deshawndre Washington and Bryon Allen provided key baskets, and the UAE side grabbed second-chance points while hitting crucial outside shots, trimming the deficit to seven and turning the game into a nail-biter.

The fourth quarter delivered end-to-end drama. Washington’s all-around performance, supported by Allen and Dikembe Dixson, proved decisive for the UAE side. A lead change with four seconds remaining gave Shabab Al Ahli the 84-83 edge, and Muharraq’s final shot fell short, leaving the home crowd stunned and the Red Wolves’ bid for payback just out of reach.

All of Muharraq’s starters played over 30 minutes. West finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds, Bond Jr. added 19 points, and Roach Jr. scored 22 points. On Shabab Al Ahli’s side, Washington collected 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Allen and Dixson contributed timely baskets that fueled the comeback.

The loss leaves Muharraq third in Group A with a 2-3 record. Their preliminary-phase campaign concludes against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Hall in Medina on January 19. A strong showing there will be crucial in determining which teams advance to the Final Phase.