Saudi Arabia and Bahrain earn semifinal appearance

Nassir Abojalas

Saudi Arabia - United Arab Emirates 68-63
Saudi Arabia made it into semifinal stage in Egypt. They topped the United Arab Emirates tonight. Nassir Abojalas (194-F-94) stepped up with 15 points for the winners. Saudi Arabia accounted for a comfortable 23:8 lead ten minutes into the game. The UAE narrowed the gap at 9-point mark at the final break. They pulled even closer in the fourth stanza but could not avoid the loss. Mathna Almarwani (184-C-92) deposited 11 points and 9 rebounds in the victory. Qais Alshabebi (200-C-91) responded with 21 points and 9 boards for the UAE.

Bahrain - Algeria 76-63
Bahrain sealed their semifinal tickets at the Arab Nations Cup. They beat Algeria to stay in the title chase. Hassan Naorooz (F) came up with 17 points to lead the winners. Algeria eked out a 36:35 halftime lead. But Bahrain used a 21:12 run in the third term to surge ahead. They added 20 points in the fourth period to ice the win. Malcolm White (205-C/F-88, college: LSU) and Mohammed Qurban (187-F-87) accounted for 11 points each for the winners. Mohamed Guermat (180-PG-93) responded with 17 points for Algeria.