Muharraq Edge Manama in Thrilling Finals Opener

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

MANAMA: Muharraq launched their bid for a historic treble in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League finals with a 74–73 victory over record champions Manama at Khalifa Sports City Arena yesterday. The holders showed composure under pressure and survived a back-and-forth encounter that could have swung either way. From the opening tip, it was clear this series would be closely contested, with every possession carrying weight. Game 2 is set for this Saturday at 7pm, again at Khalifa Sports City Arena.

Manama started slightly sharper, with Ahmed Salman opening the scoring with a three-pointer and Mohamed Ghazi quickly following to give them an early lead. Muharraq Club responded through Nick West’s inside scoring and Michael Warren driving to the basket. Hustle plays and late free throws from Ali Jaber and Romeo Enan kept Manama narrowly ahead, but the champions remained within striking distance, trailing 19–18 after the first quarter.

The second quarter swung repeatedly. Mohammed Buallay and Salman kept Manama ahead early, but Warren began to find his rhythm, hitting several three-pointers and finishing fast-break opportunities. Bader Abdulla briefly gave the side the lead with a crucial triple, only for Donovan Smith and Ghazi to respond. Manama went into halftime with a narrow 36–35 advantage, but Muharraq Club had already signaled their intent, matching Manama point for point.

The third quarter became an offensive duel. Smith and Buallay pushed Manama forward, while Mahmood Abbas Isa, Warren, and Mohamed Nasser kept Muharraq Club in contention. Midway through the period, Ghazi caught fire from beyond the arc, matched by Salman’s mid-range scoring. Lead changes were constant, and the quarter ended 57–56 to Manama.

Before the final quarter, the top scorers had already emerged. For Muharraq Club, Warren led the way with 23 points and 7 rebounds, earning him the well-deserved man of the match award. Isa added 10, Nader Ali and West contributed nine apiece, and Abdulla scored eight. For Manama, Salman topped the team with 24 points, while Ghazi finished with 23. Smith added 11, Buallay 7, and Enan 4.

The final quarter delivered high drama. Ghazi’s early three-pointer extended Manama’s lead, but Ali and Warren kept the reigning champions in touch. The game was tied repeatedly at 60–60, 63–63, and 69–69. In the last two minutes, Smith briefly gave Manama the lead, only for Ali to respond with a three-pointer. With four seconds remaining, Warren hit a step-back three to put Muharraq Club ahead. Salman immediately scored a fadeaway to bring Manama within one, but the holders held on.

Warren’s late three ultimately proved decisive. Muharraq Club’s 41 bench points underlined their depth, while Manama were left to reflect on 18 turnovers and missed opportunities. Historically, eight of nine times the winner of Game 1 has gone on to claim the league title, giving Muharraq Club a psychological edge as they pursue a historic treble. If yesterday's opener was any indication, this series is far from over.