Manama, Al Najma advance in KBS Cup

TDT | Manama

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On Saturday night, Manama and Al Najma secured their places in the final four of the 2025/26 Khalifa bin Salman Cup at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town. Manama edged past League B leaders Al Ettihad 71–58, while Al Najma defeated Nuwaidrat 100–80. Both sides join defending champions Muharraq and Al Ahli, who had already booked their semi-final spots a day earlier.

The night got underway with Manama matched against Al Ettihad. The League B leaders took an early edge and held a 17–16 lead at the first-quarter buzzer. Manama soon found their rhythm in the second period, tightening defensively and generating cleaner looks in transition to take a 40–36 lead into half-time. From there, they steadily extended their advantage, maintaining control through the final frame to secure a 71–58 victory.

Alex Young led the way with 20 points, while man-of-thematch Ahmed Salman added 17 points and five steals, directing much of Manama’s offence. Subah Hussain contributed 14 points. For Al Ettihad, Romeo Enan posted 14 points and a remarkable 21 rebounds, while Ali Ghadeer added 12 points.

Meanwhile, at the same venue, Al Najma delivered a strong performance against Nuwaidrat, running out 100–80 winners. Donovan Smith was the standout performer, earning Man of the Match honours with a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds, helping his side control the tempo and dictate the game from the opening tip.

With the quarter-finals complete, the semi-final line-up is now confirmed, with the next stage to be played as a best-ofthree series at Khalifa Sports City Arena. Al Ahli will face Muharraq, with games scheduled for March 11 at 8:30pm and March 14 at 10:30pm, while a deciding third game, if required, will take place on March 18 at 8:30pm. In the other semi-final, Manama will meet Al Najma, with the first game set for March 11 at 10:30pm, followed by the second on March 14 at 8:30pm.

A potential third game is scheduled for March 18 at 10:30pm, should the series be tied after the opening two contests.

With the match-ups reflecting the current Zain Basketball League standings — Muharraq first, Manama second, Al Najma third and Al Ahli fourth — the semi-finals promise two compelling series between the league’s top sides.