BASKETBALL – BAHRAIN powered to a crushing 81-47 victory over Qatar’s B national team yesterday in the 44th William Jones Cup, currently being played in Chinese Taipei.
The kingdom’s senior men’s squad came alive in the second period and led by as many as 36 points in the fourth as they secured their sixth straight win to stay undefeated in the prestigious nine-team competition.
The Bahrainis continued to top the table as they head towards their final two assignments – arguably their toughest games – against their counterparts from hosts Chinese Taipei and defending champions Strong Group Athletics from the Philippines. Those fixtures are set for today and tomorrow, respectively, at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.
Heading into yesterday’s clash, the Bahrainis had already claimed wins against the development teams of Japan and Chinese Taipei, Malaysia’s national team, Australia United, and the UAE’s senior men.
In other games yesterday, Japan’s development squad outplayed the Emiratis 74-55, Strong Group Athletics routed Chinese Taipei’s development team 107-75 to remain as the only other undefeated outfit in the tournament alongside Bahrain, and Chinese Taipei defeated Malaysia 89-63.
The William Jones Cup is one of the most highly reputed and popular international basketball tournaments in Asia. Bahrain are competing in the event for the second time in its history, following their debut over four decades ago in the 1978 edition.
With the kingdom’s representatives taking to the hardwood for the sixth time in as many days, head coach Georgios Vovoras opted to rest star court general Mustafa Hussain yesterday and give his bench regulars starting roles as well as more minutes.
They responded well and the nationals were the early aggressors against their Gulf rivals, although Qatar managed to take their only lead of the game – a brief 17-15 edge – towards the end of the opening quarter. Crafty point guard Mahmood Abbas answered, however, with a lay-up in transition to level the proceedings as the two teams ended the period deadlocked.
The nationals then took full control in the second when they held the Qataris to just four points. A baseline jumper from Wayne Chism put them back in front and it sparked a 13-2 run. Ahmed Bindayneh had a steal and a lay-in and Ali Jaber scored on an and-one to make it 35-21, and further lay-ups from Abdulqader Thani and Bindayneh gave Bahrain an 18-point cushion, 39-21, at the break.
They maintained their fine play in the third – a Chism triple made it 46-23 midway through and Abbas had an acrobatic lay-up for a 50-26 advantage. Back-to-back Bindayneh three-pointers then pushed Bahrain ahead 59-32, which was followed by a steal on the ensuing inbounds and a Thani lay-up that made it 61-32 after three.
The Bahrainis then cruised in the final frame, building the biggest gap of 36 for the first time at 78-42 on a Thani basket from beyond the arc, en route to closing out their huge victory.
Bindayneh came away with the honour of Bahrain’s top scorer with 19 points while registering a whopping six steals, showcasing his defensive prowess. Mohammed Ameer added 11 points, while Chism had eight points and 10 rebounds. Three players finished with seven points apiece, including Thani, Subah Hussain, and JaKarr Sampson, while Abbas finished with six. Abdulla Mousa had 11 points to pace the Qataris while Mubarak Jama had 10 in defeat, which was their fifth to go with just one win.
Bahrain’s game against Chinese Taipei today is scheduled for a 2pm tip-off, Bahrain time.
This year’s William Jones Cup is scheduled to conclude on Sunday.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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