Manama draw first blood against Al Najma

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Record champions Manama struck first in their best-of-three semi-final series, defeating Al Najma 78-66 at Khalifa Sports City Arena in the 2025-26 Khalifa Bin Salman Cup. A strong first half and a composed finish in the closing minutes propelled Manama within one victory of a championship berth.

The match on Wednesday night began tightly, with both teams trading baskets in the first quarter. Alex Young led Manama’s offense as they edged ahead 23-20 by the end of the frame. The second quarter stayed close, with Al Najma briefly taking the lead, but Young and captain Ahmed Salman hit timely shots to regain control, allowing Manama to take a narrow 46-45 advantage into halftime.

Manama’s defense in the third quarter limited Al Najma’s scoring, while key baskets from Mohammed Buallay and Ali Jaber extended the lead to 57-53 by the period’s end. Al Najma cut the deficit to just one early in the fourth quarter at 59-58, but Manama responded immediately with a decisive run. Young’s scoring, coupled with contributions from Salman and Subah Hussain, kept Al Najma at bay and stretched the lead into double digits, sealing the 78-66 victory.

Young finished with 24 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Salman added 18 points and five rebounds. Buallay recorded 10 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Jaber contributed nine points and nine rebounds, with Subah Hussain chipping in seven. For Al Najma, Donovan Smith led with 15 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, Mohamed Kuwayed had 14 points, and Ahmed Aldurazi added 13.

Game Two is set for Saturday at 10.30pm, with a deciding Game Three, if necessary, scheduled for next Wednesday at 8.30pm. In the other semi-final, defending champions Muharraq won their first game against Al Ahli to take a 1-0 lead in that series.

With three titles already to their name, tying Al Ahli for the most in Khalifa Bin Salman Cup history, Manama are building momentum for another championship push and look ready to extend their legacy.