KBS Cup Semi-Finals Tip Off Tonight

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The semi-finals of the 2025/26 Khalifa bin Salman Cup begin today at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town, with the competition’s final four set to battle it out in best-of-three series for a place in this season’s championship game.

The opening night features two highly anticipated match-ups that also mirror the current Zain Basketball League standings. League leaders Muharraq face fourth-placed Al Ahli at 8:30pm, before second-placed Manama take on third-placed Al Najma at 10:30pm.

Both semi-finals follow a best-of-three format, with Game Two scheduled for March 14 and a deciding Game Three, if necessary, set for March 18.

Muharraq vs Al Ahli

Reigning champions Muharraq arrive in the semi-finals in emphatic fashion after producing one of the most dominant performances in recent Bahraini basketball history. The Red Wolves powered past Sitra 153–94 in the quarter-finals, setting a post-2016 record for points scored in a Bahraini competition.

Kris Clyburn led the charge with 41 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Mohammed Nasser added 22 points and Nader Ali contributed 20 in a performance that underlined Muharraq’s attacking depth.

Their opponents Al Ahli also advanced confidently after defeating Al Hala in their quarter-final clash to secure their place in the final four.

Historically, both teams are among the competition’s most successful. Al Ahli share the record for the most Khalifa bin Salman Cup titles with three, alongside Manama, while Muharraq have lifted the trophy twice, including last season when they defeated Manama 89–86 in the final.

Manama vs Al Najma

The late game sees Manama face Al Najma, two sides currently separated by just one place in the league standings.

Manama secured their semi-final berth with a 71–58 victory over League B leaders Al Ettihad. After trailing early, Manama tightened defensively and gradually pulled away, with Alex Young scoring 20 points and Ahmed Salman adding 17 points and five steals.

Al Najma, meanwhile, advanced after a convincing 100–80 win over Nuwaidrat, controlling the game for long stretches. Donovan Smith led the way with a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double, while the team showcased impressive balance with six players scoring in double figures.

With the top four teams in the league standings now facing off in the semi-finals, the stage is set for two tightly contested series as the race continues for one of Bahrain’s most prestigious basketball trophies.