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*** UAE MEN BASKETBALL MAIN PAGE ***
 | Wasl clinches Bronze medals at the Asia Champions Cup | |
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by Eurobasket News - May 20, 2008 | |  | Wasl - Riyadi 87:82
Al Wasl stepped on the pedestal as they outgunned Riyadi in the Bronze medals final yesterday. The victory marked a historic event for the Emirates basketball as Wasl became the first ever team from the country to grab medals at the Asia Champions Cup. Riyadi meanwhile returned to the event after a 10-year pause and failed to overcome the result that achieved in Kuala Lumpur in 1998 (Bronze medals).
The Lebanese team got to an aggressive start and cleared off to a 29:20 distance at the end of the first frame. However Ivorian import Herve Lamizana (208-F/C-81, college: Rutgers) stepped up for Wasl and paced them back into fight. Wasl trimmed the gap to 3 points at halftime as the tension mounted. The teams traded baskets in what turned out to be a seesaw third frame. Still Wasl found the way to jump in front as they grabbed a 65:63 lead heading into the fourth stanza. The pressure escalated on both sides in the dying moments but Herve Lamizana was superb as he kept it cool and doomed Riyadi in the crunch time. The Ivorian tallied game-high 30 points to propel Wasl to a historic third-place finish. Ibraheem Ahmad contributed 22 points and Rashed Al-Zaabi launched 15 for the winners. Joe Vogel (211-C-73, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Colorado St.) answered with 28 points for Riyadi. Fadi El Khatib (197-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) came up with 26 points in a losing case. So the 19th Edition of Asia Champions Cup was successfully completed with Wasl suffering the only loss at the tournament and registering an impressive record as for the teams that was widely taken as underdogs before the competition.
Wasl: Herve Lamizana 30+9 boards, Ibraheem Ahmad 22, Rashed Al-Zaabi 15
Riyadi: Joe Vogel 28, Fadi El Khatib 26 |
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| Rayyan holds off Wasl to reach title game | |
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by Eurobasket News - May 19, 2008 | | | Rayyan - Wasl 81:57
Qatari Rayyan entered the Asia Champions Cup Final yesterday after beating previously undefeated Wasl in the semifinal. The Qatari outfit reached their 5th final in the last 8 editions of the competition. Wasl started the game without their charismatic leader Courtney Fields (206-F-82, college: Iona) who was sidelined with a knee injury. It paid off immediately as Rayyan used the dominance in height to full advantage. Wasl managed to stay close in the starting frame due to heroics from Ayoub Albaloushi as they trailed by 2 points after 10 minutes of action. However Rayyan stepped on the gas in the second quarter and Wasl immediately started to lag behind. Qatari outfit ignited a massive 29:9 rally in the second stanza to accumulate a 22-point buffer at halftime. Herve Lamizana (208-F/C-81, college: Rutgers) was obviously out of rhythm on the night and Wasl simple ran out of options to change the complexion of the game. Rayyan notched a 23:13 third frame to pile up an insurmountable 32-point margin before the fourth term. Brian Lester introduced his bench players into action in the final period with the outcome pretty vivid. Wasl used the fact to cut the deficit a bit but it did not matter as Rayyan headed into the tournament finale. Yaseen Ismail (204-F-80) came up with 16 points to lead Rayyan. Dalron Johnson (206-F-81, college: UNLV) scored 15 points, while Saad Ali Abdulrahman had 10 for the winners. Ayoub Albaloushi answered with game-high 21 points for Wasl. Herve Lamizana knocked down 13 points in a loss.
Rayyan: Yaseen Ismail 16, Dalron Johnson 15, Saad Abdulrahman Ali (194-F-85) 10
Wasl: Ayoub Albaloushi 21, Herve Lamizana 13 |
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| Al Wasl stays undefeated, reaches semis | |
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by Eurobasket News - May 17, 2008 | | | Wasl - Zain 84:75
The Emirates Wasl sent a strong message to their opponents their impressive preliminary round record was not a mere coincidence. They stretched their unbeaten run to 5 games handling Zain Club in the quarterfinal yesterday. But the road to yesterdays success was a bumpy one for Wasl. They got to a slow start and Zain Club quickly stepped in front. The Jordanian outfit that many thought was just gaining the speed in the preliminary action seemed to start living up to the expectations. They looked aggressive in defense and pretty accurate on the other side of the court to accumulate a 22:17 lead after the first frame. The things did not change in the second frame as Zain Club kept on forcing their issue with Wasl finding no answers for the onslaught. Zain stretched the lead to as many as 7 points at halftime and the sensation began shaping up. But it was a different Wasl that appeared on the court after the break. Herve Lamizana (208-F/C-81, college: Rutgers) and Courtney Fields (206-F-82, college: Iona) finally shook off their first half sloppiness and Wasl gradually took over. The Emirates outfit first closed the gap and spurred in front 59:58 after three quarters of action. Zain stayed close in the opening minutes of the final period and then regained the lead 70:63 midway through the frame. But Wasl were far from being done. They posted a stunning 21:5 run to cap the game and snatched an outstanding victory at the end. Herve Lamizana and Courtney Fields scored 22 points apiece to pace Wasl. Ayoub Albaloushi provided 13 points for the winners. Boney Watson (183-G, college: Sam Houston St.) had 25 points for Zain. Zeid Abbas (203-C-83) nailed 20 points in a losing effort. Wasl will now face Al Rayyan in the semis.
Wasl: Herve Lamizana 22, Courtney Fields 22, Ayoub Albaloushi 13
Zain: Boney Watson 25, Zeid Abbas 20 |
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| Al Wals remains spotless | |
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by Eurobasket News - May 13, 2008 | | | Al Wasl - Al Qadsia 83:82
The Emirates Al Wasl extended their perfect run to 4 games beating Al Qadsia in the final round of preliminary action at the Asia Champions Cup in Kuwait. Al Wasl won all of their Pool B games and finished atop the ladder. The game turned into a real heated battle though the sides had nothing but pride to lose. Al Wasl jumped into an early lead as they dominated 29:22 the first frame. The Emirates outfit widened the margin to 8 points at halftime and seemed to roll confidently to victory. A tested duo of Courtney Fields (206-F-82, college: Iona) and Herve Lamizana (208-F/C-81, college: Rutgers) had another outstanding night and allowed Al Wasl to maintain an 11-point cushion before the fourth stanza. But Al Qadsia showed their character and struck back in the fourth term. Alpha Bangura (197-F/G-80, college: St.John's) ignited a comeback effort from the hosts as Al Qadsia knotted things up and forced overtime. However it was Al Wasl to come up big in the extra period. Alpha Bangura picked up his fifth foul and then Herve Lamizna sealed the outcome for Al Wasl from free throw line as the Emirates side slipped away with a narrow win. Courtney Fields knocked down 24 points and 12 boards for the winners. Herve Lamizana launched 21 points for Al Wasl. Alpha Bangura produced game-high 25 points and 8 boards for Al Qadsia. Abdullah Al Sarraf (194-F-82) had 23 points in a losing effort. Al Wasl set up a quarterfinal showdown against Zain Club from Jordan on Wednesday. Al Qadsia will take on the tournament favorites Al Riyadi on the same day.
Al Wasl: Courtney Fields 24+12 boards, Herve Lamizana 21
Al Qadsia: Alpha Bangura 25, Abdullah Al Sarraf 23 |
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| Al Wasl outlasts Al Muharraq to stay on top of Pool B | |
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by Eurobasket News - May 12, 2008 | | | Al Wasl - Al Muharraq 116:88
The Emirates Al Wasl extended their winning streak to 3 games toping Al Muharraq yesterday. Both sides entered the game undefeated and hoped to stretch their winning run. The teams traded buckets early on but gradually Al Wasl took over. They used a tough defense to limit Al Muharraq offensive options and keeping them away from the paint. It worked pretty well as Al Wasl accumulated a 31:18 lead after the starting frame. Al Muharraq however stayed contestant in the second period as Donald Little (211-C-78, agency: EM-PA, college: Cincinnati) was on fire for Bahrain side. Al Wasl enjoyed a 12-point advantage at halftime but went on a run right after the break. Courtney Fields (206-F-82, college: Iona) and Herve Lamizana (208-F/C-81, college: Rutgers) teamed up to ignite a 33:16 rally from the Emirates outfit as Al Wasl cleared off to an insurmountable distance. Al Muharraq never threatened the lead in the fourth period and suffered their first loss at the tournament. Courtney Fields led Al Wasl with 25 points and 12 boards. Herve Lamizana had 19 points and 11 boards in a win. Donald Little answered with game-high 32 points and 10 boards in defeat. Al Wasl will now play against Al Qadsia in the final round of preliminary action. Al Muharraq will try to secure the second spot in the clash with the defending champions SABA Battery. Al Wasl win also meant that Al Qadsia will finish fourth in Pool B.
Al Wasl: Courtney Fields 25+12 boards, Herve Lamizana 19+11 boards, Ibrahim Ahmad 17
Al Muharraq: Donald Little 32+10 boards, Mohammad Mohammad 21 |
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| Al Wasl stays perfect, sends Dehradoon to 0-3 record | |
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by Eurobasket News - May 11, 2008 | | | Al Wasl - ONGC 102:72
Al Wasl posted their second win in a row and remained in the leaders mix at the Asia Champions Cup in Kuwait. In the third round of action UAE team took on ONGC Dehradoon from India. The teams
started the tournament with polar results as Al Wasl celebrated an impressive win in the initial game, while ONGC suffered two defeats in a row and slipped at the bottom of the preliminary Pool B. ONG Dehradoon failed to break the deadlock as they were beaten for the third straight time, while it became the second win in a row for Al Wasl. Al Wasl dominated in every component of the game and coasted to a comfortable victory over their India counterparts. Al Wals gained the confidence with a surprising win over the defending champions SABA Battery in the second round and now would be difficult opponent to stop. The Emirates team led by 11 points after the opening stanza and stretched the gap to as many as 13 points at the interval. ONGC fought bravely but could not match the tempo and trailed by 19 points before the fourth period. Ayoub Albalooshi was merely unstoppable and carried Al Wasl to a cruising victory at the end. He finished with game-high 41 points. ONGC were led by Desraj (189-F) and Trideep Rai (190-F-83) with 15 points apiece. Abdul Hamid praised the attitude of his players. He stressed the importance of the win over SABA Battery for his team as they gained confidence for the upcoming games.
ONGC must win in the clash with SABA Battery to stay in the title race. Al Wasl meanwhile will take on Al Muharraq in the leaders battle later tonight.
Al Wasl: Ayoub Albalooshi 41
ONGC: Desraj 15, Trideep Rai 15 |
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| Al Wasl opens Asia Champions Cup in double-overtime thriller over Saba Battery | |
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by Eurobasket News - May 10, 2008 | | | Al Wasl, UAE -Saba Battery, Iran 116:100 2 OT
Al Wasl opened Asia Champions Cup in double-overtime thriller over Saba Battery from Iran. Emirates club was confident in the first three quarters, but then Saba Battery bounced back and tied the game after four quarters. The second overtime was the last for the latter to struggle as Al Wasl won the first game. Courtney Fields (206-F-82, college: Iona) was unstoppable with 37 points. Herve Lamizana (208-F/C-81, college: Rutgers) and Ibrahim Ahmad nailed 21points apiece, while Rashid Al-Zabi netted 18. Samad Nikkah led the way for Iran team with 29 points. Enyinn Mounike produced 28 points in defeat, whilst Mehdi Kamrani (181-G-82, agency: Huss Sport Agency) posted 20.
Al Wasl caught defending champions Saba Battery with their initial onslaught to cause the first upset. Emirates club took the lead from the very beginning and enjoyed 27:19 lead after the opening quarter. Another spurt in the second stanza led to 49:34 when the teams disappeared in the lockers. The lead was still increased for Al Wasl in the third quarter and they saw plus 16 entering the last period. Saba pulled their ranks together and began to fire back in the the fourth quarter, but with Hamed Ehadadi struggling under foul trouble the efforts of Samad Nikkah and Enyinn Mounike, well supported by Mehdi Kamrani failed to seize the initiative.
It was the best game so far in Asia Champions Cup and both teams will for sure deserve a top place.
Al Wasl, UAE:Courtney Fields 37, Herve Lamizana 21, Ibrahim Ahmad 21, Rashid Al-Zabi 18
Saba Battery, Iran: Samad Nikkah 29, Enyinn Mounike 28, Mehdi Kamrani 20 |
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| Al Wasl finishes fourth in GCC, An Nasr wins over Al Nasr | |
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by Eurobasket News - May 1, 2008 | | | Tonight An Nasr won over Al Nasr 89:78 in 21st Arab Clubs Championship. UAE team opened the game in an offensive style taking 32:19 from the early beginning. UAE squad held 58:43 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. Al Nasr tried to recover in the second half but could not tie the game. Amal McCaskill (211-F/C-73, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: Marquette) led the winners with 25 points. Justin Murray nailed 20 and Trello Galloway (201-G/F-79, college: Georgia St.) posted 18. Marwan Abu Gheelah ended up with 16 points in the losing effort. Abdelhalim Kaw'an scored 15, while Ilija Zolotic had 14.
Al Rayyan routed Al Wasl in the 3rd place match 113-69 to win the bronze. Ali Turki (200-F-82) led Rayyan with 23 points. Marlon Parmer (191-G-80, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Ky Wesleyan) added 17 points to go along with 8 assists. Al Wasl were led by Abdulla Sabeel's 19 points and 4 steals. In the Final game Al Arabi Club held off Al Qadsia of Kuwait in an action packed final at Al-Garaffa Stadium in Doha 80:76. Lamar Grimes (182-G-83, college: Indiana St.) led the offensive charge for Al-Arabi. He stepped up to lead his team to victory, finishing the game one rebound short of a triple-double as he recorded 20 points, 10 assists and 9 rebounds. |
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| Al Wasl to face Al Rayyan in the game for the third | |
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by Eurobasket News - Apr 30, 2008 | | | Al Wasl lost the semifinal game Al Qadsia 82:87 as J Williams had a monstrous game scoring 35 points and registering 20 rebounds for the winners. The team will face now Al Rayyan in the game for the third place. Al Arabi Club beat Al Rayyan 107:92 behind the strong play of Lamar Grimes (182-G-83, college: Indiana St.), Baker Ahmad Mohammed (198-F-86) and Mohammed Al Derazi (192-F). Al Arabi controlled the tempo from the get go and had their way all night against a non-existent Rayyan defense. Grimes punished them, going for 27 points, 8 assists and 2 steals, while Baker finished the game with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Al Derazi added 25 points and 8 rebounds for the victors.
In the earlier game on Saturday, Al Wasl had a easy 94-68 win over Al-Arabi of Kuwait. Al Wasl's big man C Fildes had a big game with 28 points, 11 boards and 8 assists. J Asmer again had a good game in a losing effort for Al-Arabi, recording 20 points and 14 rebounds.
In 21st Arab Clubs Championship Al Kuwait SC edged An Nasr 97:94 in the best game of Day 7. It was a back-to-back performance from both squads and Al Kuwait SC remained undefeated due to the win. Trailing 21:23 after the opening quarter they bounced back and held the score for good in the second half. Andre Pitts (185-G-73, college: Huston-Tillotson) was unstoppable with 37 points, while Ahmad Al Mutairi scored 21. Justin Murray (198 |
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