Manama chases 26th title against dominant Muharraq

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

The 2025-26 Zain Bahrain Basketball League finals tip off tonight at 7pm, as defending champions Muharraq face rivals Manama in a bestof-five series at Khalifa Sports City.

Muharraq, chasing a fifth national title, enter the finals in dominant form after sweeping past Al Ahli in three straight games under German coach Peter Schomers. Manama, the league’s most decorated club, are aiming to extend their record as they seek a 26th crown. Led by Bahraini coach Salman Ramadhan, they booked their place after a hard-fought 3-1 semi-final series win over Al Najma, sealing three consecutive victories after dropping the opener.

Manama’s route to the final was anything but straightforward. The semi-final series was tightly contested, with just a nine-point total differential across four games and 35 lead changes. Their transition play proved decisive, outscoring Najma 90-32 on fast breaks, while contributions came from across the roster, with different players stepping up in each of their wins.

At the heart of their comeback was regular season MVP Ali Jaber. His presence on the offensive glass proved vital: he averaged 5.3 offensive rebounds per win, scored 80% of his 67 points in the paint, and created crucial second-chance opportunities. Jaber also ranked second in points, offensive rebounds, and second-chance scoring, while leading the series in steals and fast-break points.

The Red Wolves, however, have had the upper hand in the rivalry. They have won all five meetings against Manama this season, including the Khalifa bin Salman Cup final. This result adds extra motivation for Manama heading into the series.

The defending champions also completed a domestic double last season and are now aiming for a treble, having already secured the Bahrain Super Cup and the Khalifa Bin Salman Cup this campaign.

Following qualification, Manama’s Mohammed Buallay acknowledged the challenge ahead, describing Muharraq as a tough and experienced side that “doesn’t like to lose.” He emphasised that the semi-final series had been demanding from start to finish, highlighting the team’s fighting spirit.

While pleased to reach the final, Buallay stressed that the focus now shifts fully to the title series, with the team set to study Muharraq’s strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the series.

Game two of the finals will be played on Saturday, followed by game three next Tuesday, with all matches scheduled for 7pm at Khalifa Sports City. Games four and five, if required, are set for April 17 and 20.