Al Ahli Fends Off Hala’s Comeback in Season Opener
The 2025–26 Zain Basketball League tipped off in style last night, with Al Ahli narrowly edging Al Hala 79–74 at the Bahrain Basketball Association Arena. In a contest that swung dramatically across all four quarters, Al Ahli’s veteran trio of Hesham Sarhan, Elijah Tillman, and Ali Shukralla steadied the ship when it mattered most.
Al Ahli, led by head coach Ahmed Jan and assistant Ayoob Haji, came out strong in the first quarter. Sarhan drove to the basket for quick layups, Tillman hit a deep three, and Shukralla’s board control converted second-chance points. Despite the sharp shooting of Abdulqader Thani for Al Hala, who are under head coach Ahmed Mirza and assistant Hussain Al Durazi, Al Ahli led 21–19 after a competitive opening frame.
In the second quarter, Al Ahli steadily extended their advantage. Sarhan orchestrated the offense with mid-range jumpers and free throws, while Tillman added a layup and a fast-break dunk. Nader Shaker and Alwatheq Ali contributed energy and key putbacks, helping the team enter halftime ahead 45–34, even as Thani and Roderick Smith kept Hala within striking distance.
Hala mounted a strong third-quarter response, cutting the deficit through Khalifa’s drives and Thani’s perimeter shooting. Shukralla’s tip-ins, Sarhan’s assists, and Tillman’s crucial defensive plays kept Al Ahli ahead, 64–56, heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter brought a tense finish. Hala narrowed the lead to 75–74 in the closing minute, but decisive plays by Shukralla, Sarhan, and Tillman secured the win. Shukralla converted an offensive rebound into a tip-in, Sarhan made clutch free throws, and Tillman grabbed the final rebound. Sarhan finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Tillman added 21 points and 9 rebounds, while Shukralla contributed 15 points, 11 boards, and 5 assists. Thani led Hala with 23 points and 9 rebounds, supported by 11 points each from Mohamed and Ahmed Khalifa.
The league continues on Thursday with Muharraq facing Nuwaidrat, followed by Al Najma against Manama on November 27, promising more early-season excitement in the Zain Basketball League.
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