Bahrain crowned U16 Gulf champions

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain was last night crowned champions of the FIBA Asia U16 Gulf Basketball Association (GBA) Qualifier 2021 after claiming a come-from-behind 59-53 victory over Kuwait at Zain Basketball Arena in Um Al Hassam.

The Bahrainis trailed by as many as 13 points in the second half but mounted an inspirational comeback to come away with the big win. Saudi Arabia claimed the competition’s bronze medals after defeating Qatar 81-69 in the game for third place, also held yesterday.

Following both fixtures, the three medallists received their respective awards in a presentation ceremony attended by Supreme Council for Youth and Sports first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority president and Bahrain Olympic Committee president His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Other high-ranking sports officials were also on hand.

The tournament was held as a qualifying competition for the FIBA U16 Asian Championship, and both Bahrain and Kuwait booked their tickets. In last night’s final, the Bahrainis used a 23-10 fourth quarter to turn a 36-43 deficit to the final winning margin. Kuwait led 13-11 at the end of the first quarter and then was up 22-21 at the half.

They enjoyed their biggest lead in the third, 40-27, and then headed into the final canto up by seven. But the hosts roared coming out of the gate in the fourth, going on an 11-0 run to start the period to take the lead for good. The Bahrainis charged ahead by nine late in the period en route to closing out the contest for a fine victory.

Abdulla Ahmed came off the bench to pace Bahrain with 20 points while also registering an impressive eight steals. Ali Fardan chipped in with 16, including three three-pointers.

There were no other players for the home team in double figures in the low-scoring affair. Adel Alsaied scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Kuwait, while Borjas Mohammad chipped in with 10.

In yesterday’s other game, Saudi used a strong second quarter to claim their win over Qatar to finish on the podium in third. Five players finished in double figures for the Saudis, with Saif Majrashi scoring 18. Hamad Mousa had 40 to pace the Qataris in the loss.