Muharraq Hold Off Manama Fightback to Win Super Cup

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Muharraq made a winning start to the new basketball season last night, defeating rivals Manama 76–71 to lift the 2025 Bahrain Super Cup at the Bahrain Basketball Association Arena in Um Al Hassam. The result gives Peter Schomers’ side early momentum in their title defence and reaffirms their dominance in this long-standing rivalry.

The contest began with intensity fitting of its billing. Muharraq raced ahead through Devon Chism’s inside play, but Manama quickly found rhythm from deep as Jazzmarr Ferguson and Ahmed Salman hit back-to-back threes to narrow the gap. A late surge led by Mahmood Abbas Isa’s corner triple gave Muharraq a 19–15 lead after the first quarter.

Manama briefly turned the tide early in the second through Hasan Nowrooz’s long-range shooting, edging in front 21–19. Muharraq responded immediately with a 10–0 burst built on Nicholas West’s dunk and Ali Hussain Rashed’s finish at the rim. They maintained their composure to take a 39–31 advantage into halftime.

Kerwin Roach and Nader Ali extended the lead to 15 in the third quarter, before Nowrooz ignited Manama’s hopes with a string of four consecutive threes to pull them back within single digits. Still, Muharraq entered the final period up 58–51, keeping their edge intact despite the pressure.

Manama continued to fight, tying the game at 62 after Subah Hussain’s three-pointer and briefly taking the lead through Ferguson’s jumper. But Muharraq’s experience told in the closing minutes. Bader Abdulla buried a crucial triple, Roach capped a fast-break with an emphatic dunk, and Rashed’s late free throws sealed the 76–71 win.

Chism led Muharraq with 16 points and nine rebounds, supported by Mohamed Ameer’s 13 and Roach’s near triple-double of 11 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds. Nowrooz was outstanding for Manama, hitting six threes en route to a game-high 20 points.

Muharraq’s dominance on the boards proved decisive as they outrebounded Manama 51–36 and converted 22 points from 14 turnovers. The victory not only adds another trophy to their growing cabinet but also sets the tone for what promises to be another fiercely contested season in Bahraini basketball.