Staff Reporter
Doha: Al Arabi and Al Sadd booked their places in the final of the 2025-2026 Amir Basketball Cup after registering commanding semi-final victories on Monday evening at Al Gharafa Hall.
Al Arabi advanced in emphatic fashion with an 89–70 win over Al Ahli, underlining their tactical discipline and defensive solidity. They took control early, edging the first quarter 24–18 before accelerating in the second period with a 28–17 surge that effectively put the game beyond reach. Although Al Ahli showed brief resistance in the third quarter (18–16), Al Arabi maintained composure and saw out the contest with a balanced fourth quarter (19–19).
Taylor James led Al Ahli’s efforts with 18 points to emerge as the game’s top scorer, while Elmedin Kikanović paced Al Arabi with 17 points. Al Arabi had reached the semi-finals after a dominant 104–73 win over Qatar Club, while Al Ahli advanced by defeating Al Wakrah 85–72.
In the second semi-final, Al Sadd overcame Al Rayyan 87–72 in a competitive encounter that was decided in the closing stages. Al Sadd edged the opening quarter 23–21, but Al Rayyan responded strongly to claim the second 17–11. The turning point came in the third quarter, where Al Sadd regained momentum with a 27–21 advantage before sealing victory with a commanding 26–13 final period.
Riyon Cortez Brown starred for Al Rayyan with a game-high 23 points, while Mustafa Fouda led Al Sadd with 21 points. Al Sadd had secured their semi-final berth with a 107–96 win over Al Shamal, while Al Rayyan progressed after beating Al Gharafa 104–82.
The final between Al Arabi and Al Sadd is set for Wednesday, May 6, at 6:30pm at Al Gharafa Hall.
Meanwhile, the Qatar Basketball Federation will stage a pre-final press conference on Tuesday, May 5, at 12 noon at its headquarters. The event will be attended by Secretary-General Saadoun Al Kuwari, board member and Head of Media and Marketing Committees Mishal Al Maliki, as well as team officials, coaches, captains, and representatives for the unveiling of the tournament’s official sponsors.
