MUSCAT: In the opening of the Youth Basketball League (YBL) for the 2024-2025 season, the Salalah team marked a strong start by defeating Al Amerat 64-59 in a thrilling and competitive game held at Al Amal Club Hall in Ghala Heights. The game was filled with excitement and tactics, featuring numerous lead changes. However, Salalah managed to secure the win despite Al Amerat's continuous attempts to narrow the gap. Salalah's scoring was led by Mashaal Kafkaf, Muhib al Hambasi, Qaisar al Balushi and Sufyan Beit Tawfiq, while Al Amerat's top scorers were Mazin al Owaisi, Al Hawari al Hashli, and Ibrahim al Balushi.
At the start of the game, Al Amerat’s Mazin al Owaisi scored two points from free throws, followed by Ibrahim al Balushi adding an extra point. Salalah responded with a free throw point by Mashaal Kafkaf. The teams continued exchanging scores, with Al Amerat hitting a three-pointer by Qusai al Amri, while Salalah answered back with consecutive points by Muhib al Hambasi and Qaisar al Balushi, ending the first quarter with Salalah leading 13-8.
Salalah maintained control in the second quarter, as Muhib al Hambasi scored two points for his team, and Al Amerat responded with a three-pointer from Al Hawari al Hashli. Salalah gradually widened the gap, thanks to their players' performance, concluding the first half with a 36-20 lead.
In the third quarter, Al Amerat came back strong, scoring eight consecutive points, including critical shots from Mazin al Owaisi and Ibrahim al Balushi. The score tightened, raising the excitement among the players. Despite this, Salalah retained their lead amid continued offensive efforts, finishing the quarter at 47-38.
In the fourth quarter, Al Amerat continued their offensive surge, starting with two points by Ibrahim al Maamari. Salalah responded with a two-pointer from Al Harith Beit Mabrouk, followed by a three-pointer from Muhib al Hambasi to extend the lead to 52-40. Al Amerat kept attacking and managed to close the gap to two points at 59-61. However, Salalah sealed their victory with a decisive three-pointer by Qaisar al Balushi, ending the game with a 64-59 win.
The game was officiated by international referees Thani al Khilasi, Ali al Salmani and Wahb al Sanani. The score table was managed successfully by Maryam al Zadjali, Rayan al Dhahaboni and Mahmoud al Ajmi.
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