Defending champions Manama got off to a winning start overpowering Muharraq 83-74 in the first of the best of five final series of the Zain Bahrain Basketball League at the Khalifa Sports City Hall in Isa Town last night.
The quarters scores were 18-16 (Manama), 26-21 (Manama), 25-21 (Muharraq) and 18-12 (Manama).
The winners in three out of five possible clashes will be crowned the champions of the 2016-2017 league season.
The game saw spectators filling up the sports hall, where both fans cheered for their teams throughout the encounter.
Manama showed their best performance this season and proved too hot for Cup champions Muharraq who were favourites to clinch a double win this season after excellent performances under their Serbian coach Ivan Geremec.
Manama, under their Spanish coach Pep Claros, excelled in defence against Muharraq’s aces such as Bader Abdulla, who only scored six points, and Mohammed Hassan Al Derazi, who scored just two points.
Manama’s hero was their captain Mohammed Hussain ‘Kempes’, who scored a total of 26 points which included three pointers shots, as well as Hassan Nawrooz, who scored 16 points, and Maytham Jameel, who scored 12 points. Manama took the biggest lead in the game during the third quarter, when they led by 19 points to go up 59-40. However, Muharraq reduced the margin to just three points to end the third quarter 65-62.
Muharraq lost their concentration as Manama scored some fine baskets to storm to victory.
The second final is scheduled for Monday at the same venue.