Al Bashayer Club secured a well-deserved 70-46 victory over Ahli Sidab Club in the Oman Basketball League at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher on Tuesday.
The match saw a disparity in performance between the two teams. Al Bashayer dominated the first three quarters, while Ahli Sidab staged a late comeback in the final quarter. However, the significant point gap ensured Al Bashayer's win. Several players stood out during the game; for Al Bashayer, Slaven Kapkovik, Hadeed Beit Bakhit, Mahmoud al Souli and Saeed al Saadi shone, while Jane Key, Hameer al Hassani and Ahmed al Hassani excelled for Ahli Sidab.
Al Bashayer started the match with high focus, applying intense pressure in offense with precise passes and successful shots, scoring 22 points. Ahli Sidab attempted to respond with counterattacks, but Al Bashayer’s solid defence limited their success, ending the quarter with a 22-9 lead for Al Bashayer.
In the second quarter, Ahli Sidab displayed noticeable improvement in their offensive play, utilising quick player movements and capitalising on Al Bashayer's defensive mistakes to score 16 points. Despite this, Al Bashayer maintained their dominance, relying on their players' experience to add 18 points and close the first half with a 40-25 lead.
Al Bashayer shifted their playing strategy in the third quarter, focusing on strengthening their defence and executing well organised attacks through effective drives and fast passes. In contrast, Ahli Sidab struggled with inaccurate shooting, managing only 4 points compared to Al Bashayer’s 14, widening the gap to 54-29 by the end of the quarter.
Ahli Sidab showed improved performance in the fourth quarter, with tactical adjustments from their coach that bolstered both their offence and defence. They scored 17 points through accurate three pointers and fast breaks. However, Al Bashayer continued to exert partial control over the game, adding 16 points to secure a decisive 70-46 victory.
The match was officiated by international referee Ahmed bin Darwish al Balushi as the first referee, international referee Issam al Siyabi as the second referee, and international referee Rashid al Mashifri as the third referee. The scoring table was managed by Jumaa al Hinai, Aisha al Balushi and Mahmoud al Ajmi.
Pics by Ammar Al Musafir
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