Doha: Al Sadd and Al Ahli commenced their campaigns in the Amir’s Cup 2025 Basketball Championship with victories against Qatar SC and Al Gharafa, respectively, at the Al Gharafa Sports Club Hall yesterday.
Last year’s finalists, Al Sadd, achieved a thrilling 98-90 victory over Qatar SC, placing them at the top of Group A. Skyler Flatten spearheaded Al Sadd’s performance with 12 points and five rebounds in just under 28 minutes, while Babacar Dieng contributed 23 points, six rebounds, and three assists throughout the game.
Archie Lee Goodwin III added 20 points, and Umar Dujanah Ahmed along with Ndoye Elhadj Seydou combined for 24 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Qatar SC put up a strong fight, with Dejan Janjic scoring a game-high 28 points, along with six rebounds and six assists.
Adam Arnoot contributed 24 points, and Alioune Ndoye added 15 points, but their efforts were not enough to secure a win.
In the earlier match, Al Ahli secured a hard-fought 76-72 victory over Al Gharafa in the tournament’s opening game, which featured several shifts in momentum. After trailing 21-23 at the end of the first quarter, Al Gharafa made a comeback in the second and third quarters with scores of 19-16 and 21-18, respectively.
However, Al Ahli rallied in the final quarter, outscoring Al Gharafa 17-13 to clinch the victory.
Tyree Crump of Al Ahli was the standout player, achieving a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds during his full 40 minutes on the court, supported by Mohammed Zaidan, who also recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Despite a valiant effort from Al Gharafa, led by Makye Richard’s 25 points and 10 rebounds, the Cheetahs could not outscore Al Ahli.
The Amir Cup, regarded as the most prestigious competition in the domestic basketball calendar, sees nine clubs competing in two groups.
Group A features defending champions Al Arabi, Al Sadd, Al Ahli, Al Gharafa and Qatar SC while Group B includes Al Rayyan, Al Khor, Al Wakrah and Al Shamal.
