Muharraq’s Fightback Denied by Washington’s Triple-Double

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s Muharraq Club came within touching distance of their first win in the 2025–26 FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL), but ultimately lost 89-87 to Shabab Al Ahli in a fascinating Group B match last night in Dubai. The game at Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Sports Hall featured four quarters of high-intensity basketball as both teams searched for their first win of the campaign.

Muharraq entered the matchup aiming to rebound from a 95– 81 defeat to Kuwait’s Kazma SC. Shabab Al Ahli, the reigning UAE League champions, were also looking to respond after losing their opener to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad. With both sides eager to recover, the contest carried early-season urgency from the opening tip.

Shabab Al Ahli established a narrow first-quarter lead as Deshawndre Washington scored in transition and Dikembe Dixson connected from deep. Muharraq stayed close behind with Daniel Domonique Hamilton’s shooting and Nicholas Simon West’s work inside keeping the deficit to 28-25.

The second quarter remained tightly contested. Muharraq’s Kerwin Roach Jr. attacked the rim confidently while Mohammed Hamoda added crucial perimeter shots. Shabab Al Ahli countered with Washington’s playmaking, Dixson’s scoring bursts, and Qais Alshabebi’s second-chance points to enter halftime ahead 50-46.

Shabab Al Ahli surged to a double-digit lead in the third, but Muharraq head coach Peter Maria Schomers urged his players to stay disciplined and keep pushing. The response came late, as Roach, Hamilton, and Mohamed Juma combined for a 10-2 run that trimmed the gap to two points in the final minute. Despite their late momentum, Muharraq could not convert on key chances, with missed shots sealing the result.

Washington recorded 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Dixson scored 30 points for Shabab Al Ahli. Head coach Miodrag Perisic praised his players’ effort but admitted his side “must manage leads better.” For Muharraq, Roach tallied 24 points and eight assists, Hamilton added 22, and Ameer and West contributed solid support. Schomers said he was “proud of the fight” but noted that execution in critical moments remains a focus.

Muharraq will now look to bounce back when they host Al Ittihad on November 10 at the BBA Arena.