Latest news with #GBAQualifiers
Daily Tribune
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain chase sweep in GBA Qualifiers; UAE last stop
TDT | Manama Email: mail@ Bahrain's U16 basketball team returns to the floor tonight at Umm Alhassam Sports Hall, already qualified for the FIBA U16 Asia Championship this September, but still chasing something more: a perfect record in the GBA Qualifiers. Their next test is the United Arab Emirates, a team that's yet to win a game this week. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. Entry is free. Grit Over Glamour Bahrain have swept their first three games. It started with a statement win — 96–44 over Oman — followed by a dominant 93–52 showing against Kuwait. Then came Wednesday's 82–62 win over Saudi Arabia. Despite a tough shooting night from three ( just 4-of-28), Bahrain made up for it with effort. They out-rebounded Saudi 72–53, forced 18 turnovers, and piled on 34 fast-break points. The game wasn't always polished, but it was all Bahrain. Even when the shots aren't falling, this team finds a way to grind out wins. That resilience has defined their tournament so far. Frontcourt Holding It Down Hassan Oshobuge Abdulkadir once again set the tone in the paint — 18 points, 22 rebounds. Somto Patrick Onoduenyi added 11 points, 17 boards, and 6 assists, including several fast outlet passes that led to easy buckets in transition. Mohamed Adel Abdulla played all 40 minutes and dropped 19 points. His ability to shift gears and take defenders off the dribble has been key to Bahrain's rhythm offensively. UAE Still Searching UAE, meanwhile, are 0–2. They dropped their opener 63–44 to Kuwait and followed it up with a 73–30 loss to Saudi Arabia. Both games exposed struggles with ball-handling under pressure and defensive transition. They've shown flashes of talent but haven't been able to put together a full game. Still, they'll be eager to spoil Bahrain's unbeaten streak. What's Left to Play For The final day of the GBA Championship is set for Saturday, when Kuwait face Saudi Arabia and Oman take on the UAE. But tonight, all eyes will be on whether Bahrain can stay perfect.
Daily Tribune
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Outclasses Kuwait
TDT | Manama Bahrain's U16 squad continues its impressive GBA Qualifiers run with another big win After opening the 2025 GBA U16 Basketball Qualifiers with a 96–45 rout of Oman, Bahrain followed it up with another brilliant performance against Kuwait last night, winning 93–52 at Umm Alhassam Sports Hall. Kuwait looked set to close the first quarter with a narrow lead before Bahrain executed a swift 8–0 run to take a 25–22 edge by the buzzer. From there, it was Bahrain's tempo and composure that controlled the rest of the contest. By halftime, the game had cracked open: Bahrain surged ahead 58–31, with defensive rebounding and three-point precision suffocating Kuwait's rhythm. The third quarter continued in dominant fashion, with Bahrain stretching the score to 80–43 before easing into a controlled finish. Key Contributors Manama Club's Mohammed Adel Abdulla poured in 20 points, including four three-pointers, once again leading Bahrain's scoring and orchestrating the offense with ease. His shot selection and court awareness turned several broken possessions into momentum-swinging moments. Somto Patrick Onoduenyi added 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists, dominating both ends of the court and throwing down several highlight-reel dunks that deflated Kuwait's defensive morale. His transition leadership was vital in Bahrain's fast-break success. Hassan Oshobuge Abdulkadir was immense on the glass with 17 rebounds and 16 points, creating second-chance opportunities and setting the tone in the paint. Ali Khalil Habib grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 3 assists, while Mohamed Mahmood Farhan contributed 5 boards and 3 assists off the bench. Kuwait's AbdulAziz AlMutawa was again their top scorer with 13 points, but was held in check through physical defense and tight switching. Depth Tells the Story Bahrain's bench once again delivered. Yousif Ali Alsamaheeji brought calm and experience from his time with Al Ahli's Premier League title run, while Ali Alhaddad, Hussain Fuad Ghuloom, and Hasan Ruyan (12 points) all played important minutes. Captain Ali Husain Mohamed kept the team focused and vocal from the sideline, providing leadership throughout. Altogether, Bahrain's depth translated into 21 assists, 63 rebounds, and 21 steals, while forcing 30 turnovers from Kuwait. It was a statistical and stylistic show of effort and discipline. Strong Foundation From Coaching Staff Head Coach Rassem AlMarzooqi and Assistant Hani Alam have implemented a system rooted in team discipline, switching defense, and fast-paced transition play. Their influence was evident in Bahrain's ability to respond to Kuwait's early challenge and in their clinical dismantling of Oman just a day earlier. 'I'm proud of the boys,' said AlMarzooqi after the win. 'To come out with this kind of performance less than 24 hours after our last game shows real focus and maturity. But we know tomorrow will be another tough test—Saudi looked very strong today.' The team is clearly targeting improvement from its third-place finish in the 2023 edition, and so far, the signs point upward. Next Up: Saudi Arabia Bahrain will face a tougher test tonight at 7:30 PM, when they meet Saudi Arabia, who are coming off a 73–30 demolition of the UAE. The qualifiers are being played in league format, with five of the six GCC countries participating in this year's Gulf Basketball Association (GBA) event. The tournament serves as a qualifier for the FIBA U16 Asia Championship, to be held this September in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. All fans are welcome to attend Umm Alhassam Sports Hall, and entrance throughout the championship is free.
