Muharraq falters as Kazma dominate WASL encounter at home

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Last night in Kuwait City, Muharraq’s WASL return faltered as Kazma pulled away for a 95-81 win at the Shaikh Saad Alabdullah Sport Hall Complex. The Kuwaiti side, back after missing the 2024-25 season, built a lead of up to 20 in the third quarter and finished strong to hold off the Bahraini squad.

The two clubs had already met in the Third-Place Game of the 2023-24 WASL-Gulf League, where Kazma came from behind to win 93-83 and punch a ticket to the Final 8 in Qatar. Fast forward to now, Kazma continues to have Muharraq’s number, joining Ittihad Club as early Group A leaders with identical 1-0 records. Both teams will face off again next Monday, October 27, also in Kuwait City.

Muharraq, back under Coach Peter Schomers after his successful run with Kuwait Club, saw strong individual efforts from Nick West, who scored 30 points with 6 rebounds and 5 assists, and Kerwin Roach, who added 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Mohammed Ameer chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.

Kazma’s comeback was powered by Strahinja Micovic’s 22 points and 7 rebounds, Phil Greene’s 21 points on 5-of-7 shooting from deep, Abdulrahman Alshammari’s 18 points and 9 rebounds, and Jaquan Johnson’s all-around double-double of 16 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, plus a steal and a block. In the final minutes, Johnson scored off a tough bucket and nailed a fallaway jumper before Alshammari hit a trey to make it 90-75 with 1:29 remaining. Greene and Micovic added the finishing touches to secure the win and ensure no late collapse after a 55-35 lead was trimmed.

Kazma head coach Bojan Lazic reflected: “I think at the end, we adapted well. We found solutions. And for us, it’s a big win. It’s a starting point in which we can build something good further into the season.”

The loss also spoiled Muharraq coach Peter Schomers’ return with the Red Wolves after years at Kuwait Club, where he led them to back-to-back WASLGulf League titles. Muharraq will now aim to get their first 2025-26 win against defending Sub-Zone League champions Shabab Al Ahli on November 3 in Dubai.