Kuwait Club Weather Muharraq Storm

Muharraq nearly stole a road victory last night in the FIBA WASL-Gulf League Qualification to Semi-Finals, mounting a furious late comeback against Kuwait Club before ultimately falling 107-101 at the Shaikh Saad Alabdullah Sport Hall Complex.

Trailing by 17 points early in the fourth quarter, 95-78, Peter Schomers’ side staged a stunning 17-0 run to tie the score at 95-all. Kris Clyburn was at the heart of the surge, finishing with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. He also gave the “Red Wolves”” a 99-96 lead with 2:40 remaining following a tough layup inside, putting the visitors on the verge of a road upset.

Michael Warren, one of Muharraq’s two new signings brought in to cover for injured Kerwin Roach and Timmy Bond, played a key role in the comeback. He tallied 24 points, four rebounds, and six assists, helping to ignite the late-quarter charge. Nick West added 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Mohammed Ameer contributed 12 points during the furious rally.

Despite their fight, Kuwait Club held their nerve in the closing minutes. Turki Alshemmari scored five straight points late in the fourth quarter, including a crucial corner three-pointer to erase a 98-99 deficit with 1:28 remaining, before converting all his free throws moments later to give the hosts a 103-99 lead. Moh Hasan then struck a decisive three-pointer with 23.7 seconds left to seal the 107-101 win and take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

Charlie Moore top-scored for Kuwait Club with 24 points, seven rebounds, and ten assists, while Joffrey Lauvergne contributed a double-double of 23 points and 14 rebounds, earning Capelli Sport Player of the Game honors. Hamad Hasan, despite a head injury early in the match, chipped in 18 points, including four three-pointers.

“It shows that we're a good team when we put in the effort and play together,” said Muharraq’s Clyburn. “We ran, got stops, and competed with a top team. That’s a momentum builder going into the next game, knowing that we can compete with this team.”

Muharraq will now host Game 2 next Monday, February 9, at the BBA Arena in Bahrain. A win there will force a deciding third game and keep their hopes of a semi-finals return alive.