BASKETBALL – Bahrain's Al Hala suffered a disheartening 74-76 defeat against Association du Groupement Sportif Cosider from Algeria yesterday in their opening game of the 26th Arab Women’s Clubs Championship, currently being played in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
The kingdom’s representatives could not capitalise on an eight-point lead early in the fourth quarter as Cosider stormed back late in the game.
Hala held a slim 72-69 edge heading into the final minute but Cosider’s Olivia Epoupa buried a three-pointer to tie the proceedings.
Bayan Salman then fired in an off-balance jumper to give Hala back the lead at 74-72, but Badia Kelal replied with a go-ahead three-pointer and just 20.7 seconds remaining on the game clock.
The Algerians regained possession following a Hala turnover, and then Asrar Bakr pegged the final score after splitting her throws with just 4.2s to go.
After a timeout by head coach Jop Nelson Tandawadon, Hala were unable to get a shot off for the tie or the win as their ensuing inbounds pass was deflected.
Earlier in the contest, Hala had a strong start and were up 23-15 at the end of the first quarter.
Cosider roared back in the second and powered ahead 36-35 by the break, but Hala took back control in the third period and headed into the final frame up 60-53.
Hala’s Senegalese professional Yacine Diop led all scorers in the game with 24 points.
She also had 11 rebounds and six steals. Salman chipped in with 19 points, which included an impressive four three-pointers, while American Alexa Nicole Hart had a monster effort of 16 points and 18 boards.
Hissa Aljaber contributed seven points in their tough loss.
Bakr was Cosider’s leader with 19 points, while Epoupa added 16 and Ijeoma Uchendu 12.
Hala and Cosider are part of a seven-team field in the competition, which has been organised and is being run by the Arab Basketball Confederation.
Hala are the lone Bahraini side taking part. Also in the fray are Al Qurain and Al Fatat SC from Kuwait, Sharjah SC from the UAE, Fuheis SC from Jordan, and Al Ula representing hosts Saudi.
Hala will be looking to bounce back today when they play Sharjah at 3pm.
Their next assignment is then set for tomorrow against Al Ula at 7pm, after which a rest day for all teams will be held on Saturday. Action resumes on Sunday when Hala face Al Fatat at 5pm.
They then take on Fuheis on Monday, also at 5pm, before having back-to-back off-days on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.
Hala step back on the hardwood for their final preliminary round assignment on Thursday next week against Al Qurain, scheduled for a 3pm tip-off. All times are Bahrain.
Based on the results from the championship’s first stage, the top two clubs on the standings will battle for the gold medals on the tournament’s final day on Friday next week, while the third and fourth-ranked sides will lock horns for the bronze medals.
The rest of Hala’s roster in the tournament includes Amina Saleem, Seema Hasan, Maryam Ebrahim, Jameela Ebrahim, Aya Kamali, Aysha Alhadi, Shirin Madwar, and Ghadeer Alarayedh.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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