MUSCAT: Al Seeb Club delivered a commanding performance over Nizwa Club, winning 96-39 in the opening match of the second Credit Oman Basketball Cup tournament held at the sub-hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. The tournament features four competitive clubs: Al Seeb, Al Bashaer, Nizwa and Oman Club.
The match-up unfolded as a masterful display by Al Seeb, as they executed a precise game plan orchestrated by the national coach, Kadhim al Balushi. Their strategy revolved around impeccable control of both offensive and defensive fronts. Al Seeb players flawlessly implemented a zone defence system that made it difficult for Nizwa players to find comfortable shooting opportunities, neutralising most of their offensive threats.
Al Seeb were able to advance by 3 points, which came through Ahmed al Sinani and Noah al Balushi. Despite Nizwa's efforts to respond, Al Seeb maintained the upper hand, but Nizwa succeeded in adjusting with a hat-trick by Khamis al Murr, making the score 3-3.
However, Al Seeb responded quickly with three points by Suhail al Busaidi and two points after a shot from under the basket by his teammate Waqas al Hinai, making the score 8-3. After the intervention of the Nizwa coach when he asked for a time-out to guide his players, Qasim al
Qasimi managed to score a three-pointer by which he narrowed the difference.
Then, Al Seeb again returned to their offensive effectiveness by scoring more points through Ahmed al Sinani, Rashid al Zuhaibi and Hassan al Faraji, making the score 13-6 in their favour. Then Qasim al Qasimi was able to respond by scoring two points after a shot from under the basket. Al Seeb returned to expand the gap despite Nizwa's attempts to reduce it to end the first quarter 20-8.
In the second quarter, Al Seeb's offensive prowess continued to shine through Zakaria al Wahaibi and Ayman al Mahrami, while Nizwa struggled to capitalise on opportunities. Al Seeb extended their lead to a formidable 19 points, closing the first-half with a score of 42-16.
The third quarter witnessed an even more dominant performance by Al Seeb, as they widened the gap by an additional 20 points in the first six minutes. The score stood at an impressive 62-18, with Al Mahrami and Zakaria al Wahaibi contributing significantly. Nizwa managed to
respond with some points from Mohammed al Anqoudi, but Al Seeb maintained control, ending the third quarter with a commanding lead of 77-29.
In the final quarter, Al Seeb's relentless offence and solid defence continued to stifle Nizwa's efforts. The team added four more points, sealing the victory with a final score of 96-39.
The match was officiated with international referees Rashid al Mushaifri, Ahmed al Khasibi and Ali al Salmani overseeing proceedings. Mahmoud al Ajami, Yaqoub al Nadabi and Al Mahdi al Alawi managed the scoring table.
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