Al Ahli Pip Muharraq, Title Within Reach

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Al Ahli’s second consecutive win over Muharraq in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League final keeps them one step from glory.

Al Ahli took a strong lead in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League final series with a tight 86-83 win over rivals Muharraq in Game 3 on Sunday at Khalifa Sports City Arena. With this win, Al Ahli now lead the best-of-five series 2-1, putting them on the cusp of clinching the title. The two sides will face again on Wednesday at 7:00 PM for Game 4, where Al Ahli could seal the championship.

Tight Contest  

The match was close from tip-off, with Al Ahli holding a slender 45-42 lead at halftime. Both teams brought intensity, spurred on by a packed crowd and the presence of Bahraini sports officials. The return of Al Ahli’s Maitham Jameel and Muharraq’s Sir Dominic, both battling through injuries, added lure to the spectacle. 

The game’s turning point came in the fourth quarter. With six minutes left and Muharraq leading 69-66, a scuffle saw Muharraq’s Mohammed Ameer and Al Ahli’s Jameel ejected. The tension boiled over, but Al Ahli kept their cool. In a frantic final stretch, they outmaneuvered Muharraq, managing the clock expertly to protect their three-point lead until the buzzer.

Standout Performers  

Al Ahli’s professional star Rice led the charge with 22 points, backed by Jameel’s 16 and Stone’s 14. For Muharraq, new signing Keron Deshields topped the scoring with 23 points, while Tony Mitchell and Ameer each chipped in 15. Despite Muharraq’s fight, Al Ahli’s composure in the clutch moments proved decisive.

Finals Fever

As expected, the atmosphere was electric, with supporters from both sides packing Khalifa Sports City Arena. The rivalry, steeped in history, delivered another chapter of high drama. The ejections added interest, but Al Ahli’s ability to stay focused under pressure showed their championship pedigree. Wednesday’s Game 4 promises more of the same, with Muharraq desperate to level the series and Al Ahli eyeing the trophy.

Game 4 Looms

Al Ahli are now one win away from the title, but Muharraq, known for their resilience, won’t go down without a fight. Game 4 could be the decider, and both teams will need to bring their A-game. Al Ahli’s knack for closing out tight matches gives them the edge, but in a rivalry this tense, nothing is guaranteed.

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Key Takeaways

• Al Ahli’s cool-headed play after ejections sealed their win

• Rice (22 points) and Deshields (23 points) drove their teams

• Al Ahli lead 2-1, but Muharraq could strike back in Game 4

You Know What?

Despite their ejections, Maitham Jameel (16 points) and Mohammed Ameer (15 points) clashed briefly in the fourth quarter, but their contributions still kept their teams in the hunt until the final whistle.