Semifinal pressure mounts as Game 2 tips off

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Muharraq and Al Najma return to the court tonight aiming to build on their winning starts in the best-of-five Golden Square semi-finals of the 2025-26 Zain Bahrain Basketball League.

Defending champions Muharraq opened their series with a 90–73 win over Al Ahli and will look to extend their advantage to 2–0. Under coach Peter Schomers, the Red Wolves dominated Game 1 from the start, showing their all-around strength as they chase a fifth consecutive league title and a historic season treble.

Al Ahli, guided by Ahmed Jan, now faces a must-respond situation. Despite strong performances from Anthony Fairley and Maitham Jameel in the opener, the Eagles will need steadier scoring and tighter ball control to level the series.

In the other semi-final, Al Najma will try to build on their dramatic 78–76 win over record 25-time champions Manama. Donovan Smith’s late put-back secured the victory in a thrilling finish, stunning one of the league’s most decorated sides. Najma will be keen to prove their opener was no fluke, while Manama, long regarded as the benchmark of Bahraini basketball, will look to respond and avoid falling 2–0 behind.

Both series continue at Khalifa Sports City Arena, with Game 3 scheduled for Wednesday. If needed, Games 4 and 5 are set for April 4 and April 7. The winners of the semi-finals will then meet in the best-of-five championship series, which will begin on April 5 if both semi-finals finish in three games, or April 8 if they go to four.