MUSCAT: Nizwa Club achieved an exciting victory over Ahli Sidab with a score of 57-54 in the 2024 Credit Oman Basketball Cup at the secondary hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher on Tuesday.
The game witnessed intense competition between the two teams, who alternated control over different periods of the match. Several players from both sides stood out in scoring, with Nizwa relying heavily on Saif al Toubi, Musab al Wahaibi and Basel al Sabhi, while Ahli Sidab was led by Adil al Battashi and Abdulaziz al Balushi.
Nizwa started the game strongly, opening the score with a three-pointer from Musab al Wahaibi, but Ahli Sidab quickly responded with a basket from under the rim by Suhail al Busaidi, followed by a three-pointer from Abdulaziz al Balushi. However, Saif al Toubi tied the game shortly after. Nizwa then took the lead with a free throw by Musab al Wahaibi, ending the first quarter ahead at 12-11.
In the second quarter, the intense exchange of attacks continued. Nizwa’s Basel al Sabhi scored two points with a basket from under the rim, but Adel al Battashi responded with a three-pointer for Ahli Sidab, bringing the score to 14-14. The tie was repeated several times, with Nizwa eventually leading at half-time 29-25, thanks to 12 points scored in this period compared to Ahli Sidab’s 8 points.
The third quarter was closely contested, with both teams exchanging baskets. Ahli Sidab earned a free throw that Haitham Bani Araba converted for one point, but Nizwa quickly responded with a three-pointer from Basel al Sabhi, extending the lead to 32-26. Abdulaziz al Balushi scored two points for Ahli Sidab to reduce the gap to 28-32. Both teams continued exchanging attacks and points, ending the third quarter with Nizwa ahead 41-37.
In the fourth quarter, both teams intensified their efforts, especially Ahli Sidab, who sought to close the gap. Abdulaziz al Balushi scored several points, but Nizwa responded with a basket from Musab al Wahaibi. The game reached a higher tempo with Ahli Sidab adding 15 points and Nizwa scoring 14, but the match ultimately ended with a 57-54 victory for Nizwa.
The game was officiated by international referee Rashid al Mashifri, with international referee Thani al Khalasi as the second official and Ali al Salmani as the third official. The table officials were Juma al Hinai, Musa al Siyabi and Fatima al Harthi.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
