BASKETBALL – CHAMPIONS Manama maintained their undefeated run in the 2024-25 Zain Bahrain Basketball League last night, outclassing an overmatched Al Ettihad 86-65 at Zain Basketball Arena in Umm Al Hassam.
Manama used a strong third-quarter performance where they outscored their opponents 23-9 to turn a close game at the half wide open. They then led by as many as 27 points late in the contest en route to closing out their big victory.
The result was the seventh win in as many outings for the three-time defending champions in this season’s Premier League. Ettihad, on the other hand, were handed their eighth straight loss and they remained winless.
Manama had a slim 19-18 lead at the end of the first quarter but extended their advantage to 43-39 at the interval. They then took control after the break, going on a game-changing 11-2 run to build a commanding 66-48 cushion heading into the final frame.
Manama maintained their strong showing in the last canto and enjoyed their biggest lead of 82-55 following an AJ John alley-oop slam dunk, assisted by Saad Abdulla Almeshari.
Clinton Chapman spearheaded Manama with 22 points off the bench, while John contributed 15 and Mohammed Kowayed added 12.
For Ettihad, who were playing without a professional player, Hassan Fahad finished with 25 points, while Ahmed Ghanim scored 14 and Fadhel Abdulelah had 10.
In yesterday’s other game, Bahrain Club beat Samaheej 72-66 in League B.
Samaheej were up 24-21 after the first quarter and stayed ahead 38-35 heading into the break.
But Bahrain Club took control in the third period and had a slim 53-51 edge with only the fourth period remaining. There, they stretched their advantage and after Ali Hussain Rajab split his free-throws, Bahrain Club enjoyed a 69-60 lead with less than two minutes remaining. They were able to hold on until the end despite Samaheej getting to within four points in the closing seconds.
Mohsin Ali Hussain had 23 points to pace Bahrain Club while skipper Mansoor Jaber added 19 and Talal Ali Saeed had 10.
Samaheej were led by Basel Adel’s 28 markers, which included four three-pointers, and nine rebounds, while Mohammed Abdulla Jaffar chipped in with 15 and Ahmed Fateel had 10.
With the result, Samaheej claimed their fourth win in seven outings while Bahrain Club suffered their sixth loss.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh