By: Ayo Victor
Doha: Al Wakrah SC and Al Shamal SC advanced to the semi-finals of the 13th edition of the Qatar Basketball Cup after registering convincing victories in their quarter-final clashes held on Thursday at Al-Gharafa Indoor Hall.
In the opening game, Al Wakrah defeated Qatar SC 86–73, delivering a composed performance from the start. Al Wakrah set the tone early, taking the first quarter 28–17 through disciplined offense and solid defensive organisation. They maintained control in the second quarter with a 26–22 edge to head into halftime with a comfortable lead.
Qatar SC responded strongly after the break, winning the third quarter 28–20 to reduce the deficit and revive their chances. However, Al Wakrah regained momentum in the final quarter, limiting their opponents to just six points while scoring 12 to seal the win and confirm their semi-final berth.
Individually, Qatar SC’s Brendan Daniel Tucker led all scorers with 33 points, while Al Wakrah’s Mame Souleymane Ndour contributed 20 points. Mubarak Jama was named Best Qatari Player of the Game, earning a $100 prize sponsored by Musafir Trading & Transport.
In the second quarter-final, Al-Shamal produced a dominant second-half display to overcome Al Gharafa SC 99–78. Al Gharafa made a strong start, claiming the first quarter 26–21 and extending their advantage with a 23–21 second-quarter win.
Al Shamal turned the game around in the third quarter with a commanding 26–12 run, capitalising on a dip in Al Gharafa’s intensity. They continued their dominance in the fourth quarter, outscoring their opponents 31–17 to secure a comprehensive victory.
Tyree Crump starred for Al Shamal with 30 points, while Al Gharafa’s Rashad Allen Williams scored 28. Osama Abdulnasser Arafa was awarded Best Qatari Player of the Match, also receiving a $100 prize from Musafir Trading & Transport.
Earlier, Al Rayyan SC became the first team to book a semi-final spot following a 70–47 win over Al Khor SC. Meanwhile, Al Sadd SC will face Al Arabi SC on Saturday, April 11, to determine the final semi-finalist, after Al Sadd defeated Al Ahli SC 78–67.
The semi-finals are scheduled for Monday, April 13, at Al Gharafa Hall, with Al Wakrah set to take on Al Shamal, while Al Rayyan will meet the winner of Al-Arabi and Al-Sadd. The winners will progress to the final, slated for Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 PM.
Al Gharafa and Al Arabi remain the most successful teams in the competition’s history with four titles each, while Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, and Al Sadd have each lifted the trophy once.
