No Taming the Wolves
A Finale for the Ages
Muharraq are champions of the Zain Bahrain Basketball League after a 80-76 win over Al Ahli in Game 5 at Khalifa Sports City Arena on Saturday. In a finale that lived up to the billing of this storied rivalry, Muharraq's poise saw them overcome a threatening Al Ahli comeback to clinch the title in front of a deafening crowd. The win capped a rollercoaster series, with Game 5 only necessary after Muharraq's comfortable 68-57 win in Game 4 forced the decider.
Muharraq's early dominance in the final game was tested by Al Ahli's relentless third-quarter surge. But in the clutch moments, Muharraq's stars stood tall, delivering a victory that will echo through Bahrain's basketball support.
Game 4 Sets the Stage
The road to Game 5 was paved with Muharraq's heroics in Game 4, where they steamrolled Al Ahli 68-57 to keep their title hopes alive. They set the tone early, racing to an 18-7 lead in the first quarter with suffocating defence and sharp offence. Mohammed Nasser led the way with 20 points, filling the void left by Mohammed Ameer's absence, while Sir Dominic (19 points) and Keron (12 points) kept the pressure on. 'We stayed relaxed and stuck to the plan,' Muharraq's Mahmood Abbas said post-game. 'Focus and defence were our pillars.' Al Ahli, despite 19 points each from Sutton and Rice, couldn't recover from early mistakes, setting up the do-or-die match.
Tale of Two Halves
Game 5 was a classic from the jump. Muharraq stormed out of the gates, building a 19-7 lead after the first quarter with aggressive defence that rattled Al Ahli's shooters. By halftime, they were up 41-28, with slick ball movement and smart shot selection keeping them in control. But Al Ahli, refusing to go quietly, flipped the script in the third, outscoring Muharraq 30-15 in a blistering run that tied the game. The arena was electric, fans on edge as momentum swung wildly.
The fourth quarter was where champions are made. Muharraq regrouped, leaning on their veterans to steady the ship. They edged Al Ahli 24-18 in the final frame, with clutch baskets and stout defence sealing the 80-76 win. Hassan Yasine sealed the win with a free throw as the final action of the match. The stat sheet told the story: balanced scoring and a knack for big stops when it mattered most.
Rivalry Delivers
Muharraq's success was a team effort, but their key players rose to the occasion. The absence of Ameer didn't faze them, with Nasser and Sir Dominic again proving their worth in the clutch. Al Ahli fought well, their third-quarter explosion a reminder of their quality, but missed opportunities and Muharraq's defensive resolve proved decisive. 'They wanted it more in Game 4, and they showed it again tonight,' Al Ahli's Ali Shukrallah admitted after the loss. 'We'll regroup and come back stronger.'
This series, with its twists and turns—Muharraq's 101-87 rout in Game 1, Al Ahli's gritty 77-72 and 86-83 wins in Games 2 and 3, and Muharraq's Game 4 revival—delivered drama at every turn. Game 5 was the perfect crescendo, a testament to both teams' heart and Bahrain's thriving basketball scene.
A Title for the Fans
As the final buzzer sounded, Khalifa Sports City Arena erupted, Muharraq's faithful celebrating a hard-fought championship. This victory, their first League title since 2018, cements their status as Bahrain's basketball standard-bearers. For Al Ahli, it's a bitter pill, but their resilience throughout the series bodes well for future battles. With the curtain falling on the 2024/2025 season, Muharraq's clutch performance in Game 5 will be remembered as the moment they turned the tide and claimed their crown.
Q1: 19–7 Muharraq
Q2: 22–21 Muharraq
Q3: 15–30 Al Ahli
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