Ettihad, Hala Claim Crucial League Wins

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Gameweek eight of the 2025-26 Zain Bahrain Basketball League saw Al Ettihad and Al Hala claim impressive victories yesterday at Um Al Hassam Sports Complex in two competitive contests.

In the premier division, Al Ettihad edged Sitra 92-82 in a high-intensity encounter. Sitra held a narrow 21-19 lead after the opening quarter, with import Austin Ajukwa dominating early with jump shots, fadeaways, and free throws. Captain Mahdi Abdulameer contributed a step-back jumper and a three, while Dhaif Husain Dhaif added a pull-up jumper. Al Ettihad kept in touch through Romeo Enan, Mohamed Ghazwan, Feras Ali, and Isa Jassim Juma, gradually closing the gap.

Al Ettihad turned the tide in the second quarter, outscoring Sitra 27-15. Isa Jassim Juma erupted for multiple layups and threes, supported by Ali Ghadeer, Romeo Enan, and Fadhel Abdulelah, to establish a 10-point halftime lead at 46-36. The third quarter saw the lead fluctuate between 7–16 points, with Austin Ajukwa keeping Sitra in the game through free throws and pull-ups.

In the fourth quarter, Al Ettihad pulled away decisively, capitalizing on free throws and inside dominance from Romeo Enan, who finished with 23 points and 17 rebounds. Isa Jassim Juma added 17 points, while Mohamed Ghazwan contributed 12 points with 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Sitra relied heavily on Ajukwa’s 34 points and Ali Mohsen’s 22, but poor shooting (33%) and turnovers prevented a comeback.

Meanwhile, in League B, Al Hala completed a thrilling comeback to beat Nuwaidrat 86-75. Nuwaidrat jumped to an early 25-16 lead behind strong inside play and free throws from Quinton Rose and Murtadha Salman. Shaheed Davis and Ahmed Khalifa kept Al Hala within striking distance.

By halftime, Nuwaidrat led narrowly 42-39, but Al Hala mounted a third-quarter surge, outscoring Nuwaidrat 22-21 behind Davis’ sharpshooting and a buzzer-beater three. In the final period, Al Hala seized control with aggressive defense and accurate three-point shooting, including key baskets from Abdulqader Thani and Davis.

Davis starred with 28 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks, while Thani added 19 points and 7 assists. For Nuwaidrat, Quinton Rose also scored 28 points and Murtadha Salman contributed 19, but turnovers (20) and cold shooting late in the game cost them.