Bahrain Basketball League Semi-Finals Tip Off Tomorrow

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

The 2025-26 Zain Bahrain Basketball League semi-finals tip off tomorrow night at Khalifa Sports City Hall in Isa Town, with top-seeded Muharraq facing fourth-placed Al Ahli at 8 PM and second-placed Manama meeting third-placed Al Najma at 6 PM. Both series are best-of-five, with the finals set for April 5 if a semi-final ends in three games, or April 8 if extended to four, leaving open the possibility of a Muharraq–Manama rematch for the league title.

Muharraq enter the playoffs brimming with confidence. The reigning league champions lifted their second trophy of the season on Monday night, defeating Manama 80-73 in the Khalifa bin Salman Cup final, which was played behind closed doors due to regional conflicts. Reflecting on the victory, power-forward Mohamed Ameer said: “It means a lot to me. I hope this is not the last championship and that next year will be full of more titles. I want to celebrate the fans who could not be with us today and hope they are proud of what we have achieved.”

Their momentum is further reinforced by a clean sweep over Al Ahli in the cup semi-finals series (93-87 and 96-80), which gives them an added edge heading into tomorrow’s matchup. First in the league with a 14-1 record, Muharraq will rely on captain Bader Abdulla, sharpshooter Michael Warren, and Ameer to maintain their high standard under coach Peter Schomers.

Manama also arrive in strong form, holding a 9-6 record to sit second in the league. The Blues, guided by coach Salman Ramadhan, overcame Al Najma 78-66 and 77-75 in the cup semi-finals, giving them confidence ahead of tomorrow’s clash. Ali Jaber and Ahmed Salman will be key to providing scoring and leadership as they aim to overcome an Al Najma side that has consistently given them tough challenges in recent matches.

Al Najma (8-7) and Al Ahli (7-8) enter as underdogs but will look to test the top two sides. While both teams hope to engineer an upset, all eyes remain on Muharraq and Manama, whose recent cup final offered a glimpse of the intensity and rivalry that could carry into the league championship series.