BASKETBALL – Muharraq’s quest for an historic treble begins tonight against fierce rivals Manama as their best-of-five championship series of the 2025-26 Zain Bahrain Basketball League gets underway.
Game one of this highly anticipated finals match-up is scheduled for a 7pm tip-off at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town.
Muharraq are looking to successfully defend their league title and secure an unprecedented third trophy of the season, having already lifted the prestigious Khalifa Bin Salman Cup last month and the curtain-raising Bahrain Super Cup in November of last year.
They triumphed against Manama in both single-game meetings, and have yet to lose to their rivals in their three other head-to-heads played earlier this league campaign.
Muharraq are aiming to emerge as national champions for the fifth time, while Manama will be hoping for an upset and add to their record 25 league titles as the most successful club in Bahrain basketball history.
Muharraq booked their berth in the finals after sweeping past Al Ahli with dominant performances in three games of their Golden Square semi-final.
Manama, on the other hand, won in four contests against Al Najma in their semis battles.
Muharraq are coached by German tactician Peter Schomers.
They boast arguably the most talented Bahraini contingent in the kingdom, led by skipper Bader Abdulla Malabes, and including Mohammed Ameer, Mahmood Abbas Isa, Mohammed Juma’a, Younes Kowayed, Nader Ali, Ali Hussain, and Wayne Chism, among others.
They also have a formidable professional pairing in Michael Warren and Nick West.
Manama, on the other hand, are guided by veteran Bahraini coach Salman Ramadhan.
They too have a strong line-up of local talent, composed of court general Ahmed Salman, Ali Jaber, Mohammed Buallay, and Hasan Nowrooz.
Their roster has been boosted by the signing of big man Donovan Smith, whom they faced in the league semis when he played with Najma.
Game two of the best-of-five championship battle is scheduled for Saturday this weekend, while game three will be held on Tuesday next week.
Games four and five, if needed, will take place on April 17 and 20, respectively.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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