Manama Force Game 4 in League Finals

Manama kept their championship hopes alive with an 89–83 win over defending champions Muharraq in Game 3 of the Zain Bahrain Basketball League Finals at Khalifa Sports City Arena. Last night’s result cuts the series to 2–1 and denies the Red Wolves an early title sweep.

Game 4 is scheduled for Friday at 7pm at the same venue. Muharraq, coached by Peter Schomers and chasing a domestic treble alongside a fifth league crown, started strongly and controlled stretches of the opening phase. They looked set to move within one win of the title but were unable to sustain their early momentum.

Manama found rhythm through Donovan Smith, who has impressed since joining after a strong semifinal series while playing for Al Najma. He anchored the offense with consistent scoring through contact, while Ahmed Salman and Emran Hasan provided steady support.

The opening quarter was tight until Muharraq broke away with a 9–2 run, sparked by Bader Abdulla and Mahmood Abbas Isa from deep, with Wayne Chism controlling the paint. Manama responded quickly through Smith inside, supported by Ali Jaber and Mohamed Ghazi. Momentum shifted late in the first half as Manama punished turnovers and pushed in transition. Jaber’s defensive pressure and Ghazi’s perimeter shooting helped disrupt Muharraq’s rhythm.

The key stretch came between the second and third quarters, when Manama produced a 25–12 run to take control. Smith dominated inside and on the boards, drawing fouls and finishing efficiently, while Jaber fueled fast breaks and Ghazi hit crucial