Hala hold off Manama, Ahli beat Muharraq in semi-final series openers

Brian Halums

Al Hala bounced back from a nine-point deficit at half-time to make a fine start to the semi-final series of the Zain Bahrain Basketball League yesterday. Al Hala held off Manama 81-78 at the Khalifa Sport City hall after trailing 32-41 at half-time. The initial setbacks didn't seem to ruffle Al Hala as they came roaring back after the interval to take the third quarter 23-19 and cut the deficit to five points heading into the final session. Al Hala saved the best for the last as they outplayed their famed opponents 26-18 in the fourth quarter. Brian Halums (196-G-1997, college: UAFS, agency: Duran International) scored 26 points for the winners and also grabbed nine rebounds. Anthony McClain (211-C-1988, college: Cincinnati) chipped in with 22 points, 15 rebounds and four assists while Ahmed Khalifa and Sayed Kadhem (181-G-1997) scored 11 points each. Devin Ebanks (206-F-1989, college: WVU) was the top scorer for Manama with 25 points. The second game will be played on Tuesday.
Later in the evening, defending champions Al Ahli sealed a 90-76 win over Muharraq in the other semi-final series opener. Although Muharraq held a two-point advantage at half-time (47-45), Al Ahli were too strong for their opponents after the interval. They edged ahead by four points after the third quarter and dominated the final session to claim victory by 14 points. Maitham Jameel paced Al Ahli with 22 points, two rebounds and four assists while Adrian Uter (201-F/C-1984, college: Hofstra, agency: BeoBasket) finished with 19 points and a game-high nine rebounds and five assists. Hesham Sarhan (180-G-1992) contributed 15 points and Subah Hussain (F/C) added 13. Sammy Monroe (198-F-1985, college: Newberry) scored 22 points for Muharraq. Muharraq and Al Ahli will clash in the second game on Monday.
Courtesy of: gdnonline.com

Tags : BRIAN HALUMS, AL-HALA MUHARRAQ, BAHRAIN BASKETBALL