MUSCAT: Al Bashayer and Nizwa booked their spots in the semifinals of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth's 13th basketball shield competition.
Al Bashayer emerged Group A champions with a 60-51 win against Nizwa in the group match at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Al Bashayer have four points from two wins while Nizwa have three points with a win and a loss.
Despite the defeat, Nizwa finished second to qualify for the semifinals along with Al Bashayer.
Oman Club were out of the competition after finishing third in the group.
The match showcased impressive offensive activity from both teams, with Al Bashayer leading the group in a game where the winner took the lead early on.
The match opened with Al Bashayer’s Mahmoud al Souli scoring two points after a shot from under the basket, followed by two points from his teammate Aaron Claudi. Nizwa responded with two three-pointers from Faisal al Jamudi. The excitement continued with more attacks, in which Al Bashayer managed to add 13 points, while Nizwa added 11 points, to end the first quarter with a score of 17-17.
In the second quarter, Al Bashayer took the lead, scoring 10 points while Nizwa added 8 points, with the first-half ending with Al Bashayer ahead by only two points at 27-25.
In the third quarter, Al Bashayer’s offensive prowess was on full display, while Nizwa struggled to keep up. Al Bashayer scored 21 points, with players taking turns to contribute. Nizwa only managed to add 14 points, resulting in Al Bashayer leading 48-39 at the end of the quarter.
The fourth quarter saw both teams performing equally well, with Al Bashayer scoring 12 points, the same as Nizwa's total points for the quarter. The match concluded with Al Bashayer defeating Nizwa 60-51, securing their place in the semifinals.
SEEB, AHLI SIDAB IN SEMIS
In the second group, Seeb emerged on top with six points and made the semifinals along with second-placed Ahli Sidab with three points. Salalah were out after finishing third.
Al Bashayer will meet Ahli Sidab and Seeb will take on Nizwa in the semifinals.
The match was officiated by first referee Rashid al Mushaifri and second referee Al Khalasi, both international-level referees, and third referee Ali al Salmani. The technical observer was Engineer Younis al Zadjali, and on the table were Hafez Awlad Ahmed, Yaqoub al Nadabi, Umaimah al Hajriyah, and Fatima al Harithiyah.
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