Seef bow out in Manila thriller

Bahrainis edged by Mandaluyong after strong fightback

Bahrain’s Seef basketball team saw their campaign at the Manila Challenger 2025 come to an agonising end yesterday, exiting the FIBA 3x3 World Tour event after a one-point loss to hosts Mandaluyong SBP in their final group-stage match.

Seef, featuring Sayed Mohammed Hameed, Hasan Fahad, Alwatheq Ali, and Serbian import Bogdan Dragovic under coach Murtadha Mohammed, opened Pool A against tournament favourites Ub of Serbia, the world’s top-ranked 3x3 side. The Bahrainis struggled to match Ub’s pace, losing 21–9, with Dragovic contributing four points while Hameed, Fahad, and Ali struggled to find rhythm against the dominant European unit.

Bounceback bid falls short

Seef showed improvement in their second game against Mandaluyong. The Bahrainis controlled most of the contest and led 12–10 with just over a minute remaining, thanks to Dragovic’s clutch two-pointer and Fahad’s steady play. But the Filipinos mounted a late surge, with Zedjay Etulle and Maodo Malick Diouf scoring three unanswered points to snatch a 13–12 win at the buzzer, denying Seef a spot in the quarter-finals.

Numbers underline the effort

Statistically, Seef out-rebounded Mandaluyong 16–15, with Dragovic grabbing six boards and five points, while Fahad added four points and three rebounds. Hameed contributed two points and two rebounds but missed crucial free throws. Mandaluyong’s efficiency (46% shooting vs. Seef’s 44%) proved decisive in a game decided by the slimmest of margins.

Potential Ahead of Manama Finale

The Manila Challenger is part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, offering ranking points, prize money, and qualification for the Macau Masters. Despite the early exit, Seef showed signs of promise for the season finale in Manama this November.