Doha: Al Shamal and Al Arabi booked their places in the final of the 13th edition of the Qatar Basketball Cup after impressive semi-final victories on Monday evening at Al Gharafa Hall.
In the first semi-final, Al Shamal delivered a dominant performance to defeat Al Wakrah 71–56. The winners asserted control early, leading 27–15 after the first quarter with strong offence and solid defence. Although Al Wakrah narrowed the gap in the second quarter (16–11), Al Shamal regained momentum in the third (17–9) and held firm in a level final period (16–16) to seal the win.
Aaron Clyde Parks starred for Al Shamal with a game-high 20 points, while Aaron Randolph Mitchell top-scored for Al Wakrah with 16 points.
The second semi-final proved far more dramatic, with Al Arabi edging past Al Rayyan 104–103 after overtime in one of the most exciting matches of the season. The lead changed hands multiple times: Al Rayyan took the first quarter 25–24, Al Arabi responded 25–23 in the second, before Al Rayyan led again 22–18 in the third. Al Arabi forced overtime by winning the fourth 25–22, levelling the score at 92–92.
In the extra period, Al Arabi prevailed 12–11 to snatch victory by a single point. Elmedin Kikanović was outstanding for Al Arabi with 29 points, while Malik Romero Carey led Al Rayyan with 27 points.
Both teams advanced following strong quarter-final showings: Al Wakrah beat Qatar Club 86–73, Al Shamal defeated Al Gharafa 99–78, Al Arabi overcame Al Sadd 81–65, and Al Rayyan routed Al Khor 70–47.
The final is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Al Gharafa Hall, where Al Shamal and Al Arabi will battle for the title. The showdown carries added significance as Al Arabi and Al Gharafa currently share the record with four titles each, while Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah and Al Sadd have one apiece.
