Manama Holds On Amid Najma Rally

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Manama survived a furious late rally from Al Najma to secure an 80-76 victory in game two of the 2025-26 Zain Bahrain Basketball League Golden Square semi-finals last night, leveling the best-of-five series at 1-1. After a narrow win in game one, Najma had a chance to take a 2-0 lead, but Manama’s composure in the closing minutes proved decisive at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town.

Al Najma’s Ali Aqeel reflected on the game, saying, “Congratulations to Manama, but the series is still up for grabs. They started very well, and we didn’t start as we had hoped.”

The game opened with Manama asserting control. Hasan Nowrooz’s sharp three-pointer and Ali Jaber’s inside scoring quickly built a double-digit advantage, but Najma refused to fold. Donovan Smith’s aggressive drives and Mohamed Kuwayed’s reliable jumpers kept the challengers close and prevented Manama from pulling away.

Najma chipped away at a 14-point deficit, turning Manama’s early lead into a one-possession game by halftime. The first half ended 41-39 in favor of Manama, setting up a closely contested second half. In the third quarter, Manama responded with Alex Young’s scoring bursts and Mohammed Buallay’s dominance on the boards, maintaining a narrow edge despite Najma’s persistent counterattacks.

The fourth quarter delivered the drama. With under eight minutes remaining, Manama led 65-63. Smith tipped in a basket and added a free throw to briefly put Najma ahead. But under the guidance of coach Salman Ramadhan, the record 25-time champions steadied themselves. Jaber and Nowrooz hit key baskets, while Young’s crucial free throws absorbed Najma’s late surge.

Kuwayed kept Najma within two points with timely drives and free-throw conversions. However, a missed three-pointer by Mohamed Hussain and perfect free throws from Ahmed Salman allowed Manama to hold on. Kuwayed’s final layup narrowed the gap to 76-80, but Najma couldn’t respond before the buzzer.

Stats highlighted the intensity of the contest. For Najma, Smith led with 24 points and 8 rebounds, Kuwayed added 14, and Hassan Fahad contributed a double-double of 13 points and 10 boards. Manama’s Jaber and Young scored 18 points each, Buallay posted 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Salman chipped in 11.

With the series tied 1-1, Najma will look to take the lead and continue their pursuit of a first-ever league title. Game three tips off Wednesday at 6 PM, with both teams set for another edge-of-the-seat affair.