BASKETBALL – MICHAEL Warren buried the winning three-pointer with 5.5 seconds remaining to lift defending champions Muharraq to a thrilling 74-73 victory over Manama last night in game one of their best-of-five championship series in the 2025-26 Zain Bahrain Basketball League.
Warren delivered his late heroics despite being closely defended by Manama’s Mohammed Buallay. The talented guard faked a drive to the basket and took a step-back jumper for his decisive effort, which swished through the net.
Manama’s Ahmed Salman tried to send the contest into overtime following a timeout, and he banked in a desperation attempt from beyond the arc as the final buzzer sounded. But he had clearly stepped on the line and his basket was counted as only two points, sealing Muharraq’s triumph.
In attendance for the clash were Bahrain Olympic Committee vice-president Shaikh Isa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and Bahrain Basketball Association president Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
Muharraq and Manama battled each other hard in all four quarters as neither side led by more than six points all night.
With the result, Muharraq stayed perfect against their opponent so far this campaign, with yesterday marking the sixth time they took to the hardwood against one another.
Muharraq will now be looking to extend their finals advantage while Manama will be hoping to draw even when they face off once again on Saturday in game two, also to be held at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town. It is scheduled for a 7pm tip-off.
Game three is slated for Tuesday next week, while games four and five, if needed, will take place on April 17 and 20, respectively.
Muharraq are aiming to successfully defend their league title and capture an unprecedented third trophy this season, having already lifted the prestigious Khalifa Bin Salman Cup last month and the curtain-raising Bahrain Super Cup in November of last year.
Muharraq are gunning for their fifth league crown, while Manama look to add to their record 25 titles as the most successful club in Bahrain basketball history.
In last night’s affair, Manama held a slim 57-56 edge heading into the final frame, where they traded jabs with Muharraq throughout. A Nader Ali triple gave Muharraq a 63-62 lead and a few possessions later he was once again on target from long range to put his team up 69-65.
But Manama remained resilient and baskets from newly signed professional Donovan Smith and Salman forged another deadlock at 71-apiece with a little more than three minutes to play.
Both clubs were unable to find a basket on their ensuing possessions, until Warren’s game-winner in the closing seconds.
Earlier in the clash, Muharraq were ahead 19-18 at the end of the first quarter, but then Manama powered to the front, 36-35, at the interval. The bitter rivals matched each other point for point in the third, setting the stage for the tightly contested fourth period – and eventually Warren’s clincher.
His triple was one of four he made last night as he top-scored for Muharraq with 23 points. Lightning quick backcourt mate Mahmood Abbas Isa was their only other player in double figures with 10, but both Ali and Nick West chipped in with nine points apiece and skipper Bader Abdulla Malabes finished with eight.
Mohammed Juma’a had just six points but grabbed nine rebounds, while Wayne Chism gave Muharraq five points and seven boards.
Salman paced Manama with 24 points while youngster Mohamed Ghazi had 23, including an impressive five three-pointers. Smith provided an immediate boost with 11 points and seven rebounds before fouling out late in the game.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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