Muharraq eye historic fifth basketball crown

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

The 2025–26 Zain Bahrain Basketball League finals reach a decisive moment tonight at 7pm as Game 3 tips off at Khalifa Sports City Arena. Holders Muharraq stand one win away from the title while Manama face a must-win situation to keep their championship hopes alive.

Muharraq, leading the best-of-five series 2–0, are now just a victory away from claiming their fifth league crown and completing a historic treble, having already secured the Bahrain Super Cup and Khalifa bin Salman Cup this season. They are guided by German head coach Peter Schomers while Manama are led by experienced Bahraini tactician Salman Ramadhan.

So far, the Red Wolves have controlled the series through composure in critical moments. Game 1 was decided in dramatic fashion when Michael Warren drained a step-back three-pointer with just 5.5 seconds remaining to seal a 74–73 win, instantly setting the tone for a finals defined by clutch execution.

Game 2 followed a similar script, this time with captain Bader Abdulla Malabes stepping up. He finished with 18 points, including 14 in the second half and eight in the fourth quarter, taking command when the pressure peaked. His early burst in the third quarter shifted momentum firmly in Muharraq’s favor before he closed the game calmly at the free-throw line.

Muharraq’s supporting cast has also delivered. Mahmood Abbas Isa added 16 points while Michael Warren and Mohammed Juma’a contributed 14 and 13 respectively. Defensively, Wayne Chism anchored the effort with 10 rebounds and four steals, providing stability on both ends of the floor.

For Manama, the series has shown both promise and frustration. Donovan Smith has been a major boost since arriving, posting 25 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2 while Ahmed Salman and Emran Ashkanani combined for 38 points to keep their side competitive throughout stretches of the game.

Yet despite staying within reach, Manama have been undone by lategame inefficiency. Across the final five minutes of the first two games, they have managed just nine points in total. Seven came from Salman while the team shot 4 of 17 from the field and 1 of 9 from beyond the arc during that span, turning close contests into missed opportunities.

Still, belief remains intact within the squad. Emran Ashkanani has insisted the series is far from over, emphasizing that the team continues to back itself despite the deficit.

Tonight’s Game 3 will also carry a renewed atmosphere with fans returning to the stands after a suspension due to regional circumstances. The restored crowd energy is expected to amplify the intensity of Bahrain’s biggest basketball rivalry at a pivotal turning point in the series.

Should the series continue, Game 4 will be played on Friday and Game 5 on Monday, with all games tipping off at 7pm at Khalifa Sports City Arena.