Doha: Al Arabi Basketball Club clinched the 2025–2026 season QBF League title, securing their third consecutive crown with a 91–79 victory over Al Rayyan in the second game of the best-of-three finals at Al Gharafa Hall on Thursday.
The win underlined Al Arabi’s dominance in recent seasons, as they wrapped up the series in two games following their 79–71 triumph in the opener.
Al Arabi made a strong start, adopting an aggressive offensive approach combined with high-pressure defence to take the first quarter 28–18. Their sharp perimeter shooting and effective drives to the basket set the tone early on.
Al Rayyan responded in the second quarter, tightening their defence and capitalising on fast breaks to claim the period 27–18, restoring parity in a closely contested encounter.
However, tactical adjustments by Al Arabi coach Hatim Mamlouk proved decisive after the break. Improved defensive organisation and a disciplined zone system helped Al Arabi regain control in the third quarter, which they edged 18–14.
In the final quarter, Al Arabi raised their intensity, exploiting lapses in Al Rayyan’s play to seal the period 27–20 and secure the championship without the need for a deciding third game.
Abdulrahman Saad starred for Al Arabi, finishing as the top scorer with 24 points and earning the Best Qatari Player of the Match award. Al Rayyan’s Rion Cortez Brown led his side with 18 points.
The victory takes Al Arabi’s tally to 11 league titles, closing the gap on Al Rayyan, who remain the most successful club with 18 championships. Qatar Club follow with seven titles, while Al Sadd, Al Gharafa, Al Shamal and the former Army Club have two each. Al Ahli have one title to their name.
Al Sadd secured third place after defeating Al Ahli 80–73 in the bronze medal playoff earlier this week.
Following the final, Mohammed bin Saad Al-Mughassib, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), crowned the winners as Al Arabi received the league shield, gold medals and a prize of QR1 million. Al Rayyan were awarded silver medals and QR750,000, while Al Sadd collected bronze medals along with QR500,000.
Al-Mughassib praised the high standard of the competition, noting that the final series reflected the continued development of basketball in Qatar, while commending both finalists for their performances.
Ahmed Youssef Al-Darwish, Assistant Secretary-General of the Federation and Chairman of the Competitions Committee, described the season finale as one of the most competitive in recent years, highlighting the technical quality and organisational success of the league.
