Manama on brink as Muharraq reach finals

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Manama moved within one win of the finals, while defending champions Muharraq secured their spot in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League title series last night. Both games were played behind closed doors at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town due to regional conflicts, lending an unusual quiet intensity to the best-of-five semi-final series. 25-time record champions Manama edged Al Najma 95-92 in overtime in the first matchup, while Muharraq later overwhelmed Al Ahli 102- 63 to complete a 3-0 sweep. The results set up a finals matchup that promises a clash of experience and ambition.

From the opening tip, Manama and Najma played as if the margin for error had vanished. Manama, guided by Bahraini coach Salman Ramadhan, leaned on veteran poise, while Najma, still chasing a first league championship, brought relentless energy. Hasan Nowrooz struck from deep early, and Ali Jaber orchestrated the offense with calm efficiency, helping Manama build a 17-10 lead midway through the first quarter. Najma responded late, with Ahmed Aldurazi and Hassan Fahad finding key baskets to close the frame ahead 19-17, the quiet arena amplifying every shot and whistle.

Najma extended their grip in the second quarter. Aldurazi continued to score from long range, and Mohammed Abdulla Jaffar connected on consecutive triples, while Fahad’s inside presence kept Najma ahead. Manama stayed close, with Emran Hasan repeatedly hitting from deep to keep his team within striking distance. Alex Young briefly restored a Manama lead, but Najma still held a slim 42-39 advantage at halftime, the tension in the empty arena palpable as both teams retreated to the benches. Hasan’s scoring and leadership in this stretch would ultimately earn him man of the match honors, finishing with 23 points, four rebounds, and an incredible seven of nine from three.

The third quarter saw Najma push their lead to 10. Mohamed Hussain hit free throws, Donovan Smith dominated the paint, and Mohamed Kuwayed added from distance. Manama chipped away through Ahmed Salman’s consecutive three-pointers and Romeo Enan’s free throws, cutting the deficit to 62-57 heading into the final quarter. Every possession felt decisive, the silence magnifying the weight of each turnover and shot.

The fourth quarter became a tense back-and-forth. Najma led early, but Manama regained momentum through precise perimeter shooting. Hasan and Salman hit from deep while Jaber ran the offense. Enan gave Manama a narrow lead before Aldurazi tied it again. Hasan struck once more, Smith responded, and regulation ended at 83-83, forcing overtime. The quiet arena seemed to hold its collective breath as players set up for extra time. In overtime, Manama executed with clarity and composure. Hasan opened with a three, Mohamed Ghazi added a basket, and Salman extended the lead from distance. Najma threatened late, but a turnover by Aldurazi in the final seconds ended their push, and Mohammed Buallay’s free throw sealed the 95-92 victory. Hasan’s performance, combining sharpshooting and composure in clutch moments, made him the standout and rightful man of the match.

Later, Muharraq delivered a dominant statement against Al Ahli. The four-time champions, under German coach Peter Schomers, came out aggressive, setting the tone immediately. Nick West finished an alley-oop, and Mohamed Nasser stretched the floor with a three, helping Muharraq build a 27-21 first-quarter lead. The Eagles stayed within reach briefly, but turnovers and defensive lapses allowed the Red Wolves to gradually pull away.

By the second quarter, Muharraq’s depth and shooting began to tell. Nader Ali hit multiple threes, Michael Warren scored in transition, and Nasser continued his perimeter assault. Al Ahli struggled to contain the attack, falling behind 55-36 at halftime. The third quarter effectively decided the game. The Red Wolves’ lead ballooned past 30 points as West scored inside, Nasser and Ali continued to connect from distance, and Wayne Chism dominated the boards. By the end of the quarter, Muharraq led 87-45, leaving the Eagles unable to mount a comeback.

In the fourth quarter, Muharraq maintained control, finishing 102-63. Five players scored in double figures, led by Nasser with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and an impressive five of six from three — a performance that earned him man of the match honors. Warren added 18, Mahmood Abbas Isa contributed 16, and West added 14. For the Eagles, Maitham Jameel scored 13 and Hesham Sarhan 11. The win secured Muharraq’s place in the finals and reinforced their dominance, a reminder that their depth and precision make them the benchmark in the league.

Manama’s grit under Ramadhan stands in sharp contrast to Al Najma’s drive for a first-ever title, while the Red Wolves keep proving their depth, precision, and championship pedigree under Schomers. Saturday will determine who earns the right to face the defending champions, with both experience and hunger on full display. The semi-finals have shown just how fine the margins are — every shot, every stop, every play could decide it.