MUSCAT: Al Bashayer Club achieved a well-deserved 80-37 victory over Al Nasr Club in the Oman Basketball League at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher on Monday. The match was marked by Al Bashayer’s clear dominance, winning three quarters, while the third ended in a draw. Standout players for Al Bashayer included Slevin Kubkovic, Hadid Bait Bakhit, Osama al Riyami and Saeed al Saadi. On the Al Nasr side, standout players were Zain Amin, Mazen al Maashari, and Abdullah al Qasimi. Al Bashayer started the game with an organised offensive strategy, relying on strong defence and quick counterattacks led by Hadid Bait Bakhit and Slevin Kubkovic. This allowed the team to score 18 consecutive points, with Al Nasr struggling to find their rhythm early on. Four minutes into the game, Al Nasr finally broke through Al Bashayer’s defence with an impressive three-pointer by Masoud Hashemi. Despite Al Nasr's repeated attempts to close the gap, Al Bashayer continued to score effortlessly from under the basket and with long-range shots, ending the quarter with a significant lead of 20-7.
The second quarter began with Al Nasr trying repeatedly to adjust the score. However, Slevin Kubkovic excelled in free throws and three-point shots, further extending Al Bashayer’s lead. Key assists by Osama al Riyami created additional scoring opportunities. Abdullah al Qasimi of Al Nasr attempted to narrow the gap with a layup, but Al Bashayer quickly responded with four consecutive points from Hadid Bait Bakhit. The teams traded offensive plays, but Al Bashayer closed the first half with a commanding lead of 47-17.
This quarter proved the most competitive between the two teams. Al Bashayer began with five points scored by Hadid Bait Bakhit and Saeed al Saadi, while Al Nasr responded with two points from an inside shot by Masoud Hashemi. Abdullah al Qasimi added three points for Al Nasr from free throws and a technical foul by Al Bashayer, reducing the gap to 28 points. Al Nasr intensified their defensive pressure mid-quarter, slightly slowing Al Bashayer's pace. Despite this, Al Bashayer maintained their lead, with the quarter ending in a tie in terms of offensive performance, yet Al Bashayer remained ahead at 66-33.
In the final quarter, Al Bashayer regained full control of the game thanks to outstanding performances by Hadid Bait Bakhit and Slevin Kubkovic, who added 14 more points for the team. Despite Al Nasr's efforts, the fitness and focus advantage of Al Bashayer was evident, securing a significant victory with a final score of 80-37.
The match was officiated by an international refereeing team led by first referee Issam al Siyabi, second referee Thani al Khilasi, and third referee Wafaa al Samri. The scoring table was managed by Maryam al Zadjali, Salim al Junaidi and Majid al Akhzami.
Pics by Muzaffar al Abri
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
