MUSCAT: The matches of the Oman Basketball League for the 2023-24 season, held on Saturday, witnessed Nizwa Club secured a resounding win against Oman Club with a final score of 82-63, while Al Seeb Club also won against Salalah Club with a score of 116-34 in the two matches held at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
The first match showed varied performances, with Nizwa Club dominating most periods, especially in the first, second, and fourth quarters. However, Oman Club regained control in the third quarter, but the point difference in the winning periods was enough to secure the victory with a comfortable lead.
In a match that started perfectly for Nizwa, they managed to take a 5-point lead after two shots, including a three-pointer from their player Nefer McCord. Oman responded with two two-point shots and a free throw by Haitham Bani Arabah. The excitement continued with more attacks, and Nefer McCord scored five more points, including a three-pointer, allowing Nizwa to lead Oman 10-3. Despite efforts from Oman's player Haitham Bani Arabah, who scored two points from under the basket, Nizwa responded with five points, including a three-pointer from Musab al Riyami, extending their lead to 15-5. The thrill continued with more attacks, and Nizwa added nine more points, while Oman added four points. The first quarter ended with Nizwa leading Oman 24-9.
In the second quarter, Oman Club’s performance changed slightly as they became more active defensively and offensively. Hussein al Kindi scored two points from under the basket and one from a free throw, narrowing the gap. Oman continued their progress with a three-pointer from Basem al Musalmi. Nizwa responded with 10 consecutive points, starting with a three-pointer from Musab al Riyami and two points from Nefer McCord, including one from under the basket and another from a free throw. The teams continued their attempts with both sides scoring, and the first half ended with Nizwa leading Oman 45-28.
In the third quarter, the performance changed, and Oman took the lead in seeking points, adding 19 points while Nizwa added 16. The third quarter ended with Nizwa leading Oman 61-47.
In the fourth quarter, the performance changed again, and Nizwa took control of the game. Their players consistently pressured Oman's basket, adding 21 points, while Oman scored 16 points. The match ended with Nizwa defeating Oman 82-63.
The international refereeing team included Esam al Siyabi as the first referee, Thani al Khalasi as the second referee, and AL Mahdi al Alawi as the third referee. While Jameel al Hinai, Musa al Siyabi, and Majid al Akhzami officiated on the table.
Al SEEB SUPREME
In the second match, Al Seeb thumped Salalah 116-34. Al Seeb demonstrated superiority in all four quarters, securing an easy victory with a significant lead.
The first quarter started perfectly for Al Seeb as they managed to open the scoring through Marwan al Hadidi with a three-pointer. They continued their lead with two points from Ahmed al Maamari. Salalah responded with two points by Mohammed al Hooti. Following a foul, Al Seeb added two more points, and the defence of Al Seeb successfully thwarted most of Salalah's attempts. Al Seeb added 18 more points, and Salalah added 10 points as well. The first quarter ended with Al Seeb leading Salalah 35-12.
In the second quarter, Al Seeb continued their offensive and defensive dominance, adding 24 points, while Salalah managed to score only nine. The first half concluded with Al Seeb leading 59-21.
In the third quarter, Al Seeb maintained relentless pressure on Salalah, doubling their score with an additional 34 points. Salalah struggled to score, managing only five points. The third quarter ended with Al Seeb in a commanding lead of 93-26.
The fourth quarter saw Al Seeb adding 23 points, while Salalah scored only eight. The match concluded with Al Seeb winning 116-34.
The match was officiated by Rashed al Mushaifri as the first referee, Ali al Sulaimani as the second referee, and Wafa al Sumari as the third referee. Mariam al Zadjali, Yaqoub al Nadabi, and Sherifa al Zadjali were at the table.
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