Premier League Round 8 (Second Stage): Orthodox lose to Al Ahli

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked Orthodox (6-2) recorded its second loss in Amman on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by second ranked Al Ahli (5-4) 90-74. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Al Ahli looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Gerard Tarin (206-1996, college: Nova SE) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Amin Abuhawwas (190-1994, college: Mars Hill) chipped in 17 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. The former international guard Freddy Ibrahim (190-1996, college: Tampa) produced 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the guests. Orthodox's coach Harry Savaya rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Defending champion maintains second position with 5-4 record behind leader Orthodox, which they share with Al Riyadi. Orthodox at the other side still keeps top place with two games lost. Al Ahli's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Amman to the arena Orthodox.
Important game to mention about took place in Amman. Third ranked Al Riyadi (5-4) saved a 2-point derby victory on the road edging second-ranked Al Ahli (5-4) 93-91 in the game for the second place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Al Ahli. The former international center Yousef Abuwazaneh (201-1993) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). Ahmad Obeid contributed with 21 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. The former international forward Zane Najdawi (201-1996, college: Citadel) replied with 30 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for Al Ahli. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Al Riyadi moved-up to second place, which they share with defeated Al Ahli. Al Riyadi's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Amman Orthodox.

Al Ahli - Orthodox 90-74

Top ranked Orthodox (6-2) recorded its second loss in Amman on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by second ranked Al Ahli (5-4) 90-74. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Al Ahli looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Gerard Tarin (206-1996, college: Nova SE) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Amin Abuhawwas (190-1994, college: Mars Hill) chipped in 17 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Tarin is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Al Ahli players scored in double figures. The former international guard Freddy Ibrahim (190-1996, college: Tampa) produced 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international Khaled Abuaboud (202-1997) added 15 points and 11 rebounds respectively for the guests. Orthodox's coach Harry Savaya rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Defending champion maintains second position with 5-4 record behind leader Orthodox, which they share with Al Riyadi. Orthodox at the other side still keeps top place with two games lost. Al Ahli's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Amman to the arena Orthodox.
Top scorers:
Orthodox: F.Ibrahim 23+7reb+5ast, K.Abuaboud 15+11reb+3ast, M.Hussein 12+13reb+2ast, A.Shiyab Akef 9+5reb+2ast, C.Al-Najdawi 8+5reb+1ast, A.Ashraf 3+1reb
Al Ahli: G.Tarin 22+13reb+4ast, A.Abuhawwas 17+8reb+6ast, M.Abdeen 17+2reb+5ast, Z.Najdawi 16+9reb+2ast, S.Bzai 14+4reb+4ast, Q.Fadi 4+6reb+4ast

Al Ahli - Al Riyadi 91-93

Important game to mention about took place in Amman. Third ranked Al Riyadi (5-4) saved a 2-point derby victory on the road edging second-ranked Al Ahli (5-4) 93-91 in the game for the second place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Al Ahli. Al Riyadi forced 21 Al Ahli turnovers and outrebounded them 52-41 including 21 on the offensive glass. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 28 assists. The former international center Yousef Abuwazaneh (201-1993) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). The former international forward Ahmad Obeid (197-1990) contributed with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Four Al Riyadi players scored in double figures. The former international forward Zane Najdawi (201-1996, college: Citadel) replied with 30 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international point guard Fadi Qarmash (180-2002) added 14 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists in the effort for Al Ahli. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Al Riyadi moved-up to second place, which they share with defeated Al Ahli. Al Riyadi's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Amman Orthodox.
Top scorers:
Al Ahli: Z.Najdawi 30+9reb+4ast, M.Abdeen 23+2reb+5ast, Q.Fadi 14+12reb+12ast, G.Mohammad 9+6reb, K.Ali 6+4ast, A.Ahmad 4+3reb+2ast
Al Riyadi: A.Obeid 21+13reb, B.Spearman 20+5reb+3ast, Y.Abuwazaneh 19+14reb+5ast, Y.Al Taweel 15+8reb+7ast, D.Adham 6+5ast, B.Talal 5+1reb



Tags : GERARD TARIN, AL AHLI AMMAN, JORDANIAN BASKETBALL