Doha: Al Arabi made a strong start to the finals of the 45th edition of the 2025–2026 season QBF Men’s Basketball League, defeating Al Rayyan 79–71 in the opening game of the best-of-three series at Al Gharafa Hall on Monday.
The victory gives Al Arabi an early advantage in the title race, placing them one win away from clinching the championship while also gaining significant psychological momentum.
Al Arabi set the tone from the outset, dominating the first quarter 23–11 with disciplined defence and fast-paced offensive transitions. Their early intensity allowed them to establish a comfortable lead and control the rhythm of the contest.
Al Rayyan, however, responded strongly in the second quarter, improving their offensive execution to edge the period 24–22 and reduce the deficit. The first half ended with the contest finely poised as both sides looked to assert control.
The third quarter proved to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams exchanging baskets in a tactical battle. Al Arabi managed to maintain their edge, narrowly winning the quarter 14–11 to carry a slim lead into the final period.
Al Rayyan pushed hard in the fourth quarter and outscored their opponents 25–20, but their late surge fell short as Al Arabi held firm to secure a valuable opening win.
Individually, Al Rayyan’s Malik Romero Carey delivered an outstanding performance, finishing as the game’s top scorer with 32 points. For Al Arabi, Elmedin Kikanović led the scoring with 20 points, while Abdulrahman Saad was named Best Qatari Player of the Match, earning a $100 award sponsored by Musafir Trading & Transport.
Al Arabi had advanced to the finals after a commanding 2–0 semifinal series victory over Al Sadd, winning 95–78 and 76–74. Meanwhile, Al Rayyan booked their place with a similar 2–0 sweep of Al Ahli, recording wins of 93–69 and 93–88.
The finals series will continue with Game 2 scheduled for Thursday, April 2. Al Arabi will look to seal the title, while Al Rayyan must secure victory to force a decisive third game, set for Saturday, April 4, if required.
In the third-place playoff, Al Sadd claimed the bronze medal after defeating Al Ahli 80–73 in a competitive encounter. Al Sadd started strongly, taking the first quarter 26–18, but Al Ahli fought back to win the second 29–24. The third quarter ended level at 15–15 before Al Sadd closed out the match by winning the fourth 15–11.
Nigel Armoni Johnson led Al Ahli with 22 points, while Steven Bernard Lennard Green top-scored for Al Sadd with 20 points. Mustafa Fouda was named Best Qatari Player of the Match, also receiving a $100 award.
Meanwhile, the Qatar Basketball Federation unveiled a newly designed championship shield along with gold, silver and bronze medals for this season.
This edition marks the 45th staging of the league since its inception in 1981–1982, when Al Arabi won the inaugural title. Historically, Al Rayyan remain the most successful club with 18 championships, followed by Al Arabi with 10, while Qatar Club has seven titles.
