BASKETBALL – Algeria were crowned champions last night of the 26th Arab Men’s Basketball Championship, currently being hosted by the kingdom.
The African powerhouses secured the title following a thrilling 70-69 victory over hosts Bahrain in their penultimate game of the seven-team tournament, played at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town.
The Algerians clinched their second crown in the history of the competition with one game still to play today against Egypt. The result of that game will have no bearing on the title race, as the only other contenders were Tunisia, whom Algeria defeated in their contest.
As per tournament rules, should any teams be tied on their win-loss records at the end of play, the head-to-head result will be the decider, the Arab Basketball Confederation confirmed last night.
Tunisia are already assured of the silver medals.
It was a heart-breaking loss yesterday for Bahrain, who led by as many as 14 points in the second-half. But the Algerians put in a strong fourth-quarter performance, where they outscored the home team by 10, 22-12. That helped them turn around a 48-57 deficit after three en route to securing the championship.
“This is the picture of our team – never give up, and big character,” Algeria head coach and former national team point guard Ali Bouziane told the GDN. “The guys showed amazing heart.
“Bahrain played really well, they were well-prepared for the game, and they gave us a lot of problems. But we found a way – we found a key in the second half by playing our game. Running, playing on the fast-break, and we broke the door they put in front of us.
“We’re going to celebrate tonight and I’m not even going to think about our last game tomorrow.”
Bahrain will be bringing the tournament to a close this evening when they face off with Gulf rivals Kuwait.
The game is scheduled for an 8pm tip-off, and it will be the feature event on the concluding day’s three-game schedule.
The nationals will be battling for third place, having suffered their third defeat after five outings last night.
Sedoud Chakib and Alain Adel led a balanced attack for the newly crowned champions last night with 12 points apiece. Three others had 10 points each, including skipper Briki Sofiane, Chebel Louai, and Ben Zaim Sid, who also grabbed 12 rebounds.
JaKarr Sampson finished as Bahrain’s top scorer with 21 points, while Mustafa Hussain scored 11.
Mohammed Buallay chipped in with 10 in the narrow defeat.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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