Bahrain go down fighting to Egypt

Anas Mahmoud

BAHRAIN suffered a disheartening 64-74 loss last night to defending champions Egypt in the 23rd Arab Men's Basketball Championship in Cairo. The nationals put in a valiant effort as they tried to overcame a tough challenge from their heavily favoured rivals. They managed to stand toe to toe with the hosts for most of the game, but in the end, the Egyptians had all the answers as they posted their third successive victory to remain the only unbeaten team in the competition. It was Bahrain's first defeat following their victory over arch-rivals Saudi Arabia. In yesterday's other contest, Saudi Arabia beat the UAE 79-65 for their first victory. The Saudis were previously dealt back-to-back losses but bounced back last night handing the Emiratis their third successive defeat. Tournament action continues tomorrow evening with Bahrain and Algeria facing off in the early game at 6pm, followed by Saudi taking taking on Egypt at 8pm. Today is a rest day after four straight days of action. In yesterday's highly anticipated battle between Egypt and Bahrain, who were first and second respectively in the previous edition of the championship, the visitors did well to take control early on as they built a 20-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Egyptians managed to claw their way back into the contest - 34-35 - at half-time. At the end of the third quarter the tie was balanced on a knife's edge - 52-52. The hosts then rallied in the final period outscoring Bahrain 22-12. Big man Wayne Chism (206-PF-87, college: Tennessee) had a game-high 34 points as he single-handedly tried to carry Bahrain in the game. Verstaile forward Mohammed Kuwayed was their only other player in double-figures with 11. Court general Ahmed Abdulaziz finished with nine points, Ahmed Hassan five, Mustafa Hussain three and Maytham Jameel two. Bahrain were playing without the services of forwards Ali Shukrallah and Mohammed Buallay due to the injuries they suffered during their clash against Saudi Arabia. Both were fit to take to the hardwood last night but head coach Salman Ramadhan opted to let them rest as a precaution. They are expected to be back in the rotation for the remainder of the games in the elimination round. Anas Osama Anas Mahmoud (216-C-95, college: Louisville) led Egypt with 18 points.
Courtesy of: gdnonline.com