Muharraq Advance to KBS Cup Semis in Record Fashion

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Reigning champions Al Muharraq Club and Al Ahli have secured their spots in the semi-finals of the Khalifa Bin Salman Cup. Muharraq powered past Sitra Club 153–94 last night at the Bahrain Basketball Association Arena in Um Al Hassam, while Al Ahli defeated Al Hala in their quarter-final clash.

Muharraq delivered a dominant performance in a fast-paced game that featured 247 total points across 187 possessions, marking one of the highest-scoring contests in recent Bahraini basketball history. Their 153 points set a record for the highest total by any team in a Bahraini competition since statistics were digitized in 2016.

The match was competitive in the first half, with Muharraq leading 75–59 at the break despite a late three-pointer from Sitra’s Ali Mohsin. Quarter-by-quarter scores were 35–35, 40–24, 35–20, and 43–15 in favor of Muharraq, as the Red Wolves pulled away in the second half with relentless scoring and tight defense.

Standout performers for Muharraq included Kris Clyburn, who earned Man of the Match honors with 41 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while shooting 7-of-9 from three-point range. Mohammed Nasser added 22 points, and Nader Ali contributed 20 points to help secure the comprehensive victory.

Despite the loss, Sitra produced a historic individual performance. Nigerian-American guard Austin Kelechi Ajukwa scored 51 points, setting a new KBS Cup scoring record, while Ali Mohsin added 21 points for the second-division side.

With this emphatic victory, Muharraq advance to the semi-finals to continue their title defense. They will face Al Ahli in a best-of-three series at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town. The first two games are scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, and Wednesday, March 11, with a decisive third game on March 17 if needed.

The semi-final lineup will be completed tonight as Manama Club takes on League B leaders Al Ittihad at 8:30 PM, followed by Al Najma facing Al Nuwaidrat at 10:30 PM, both matches held at the BBA Arena.