Premier League Round 9 of Second Stage

Malek Kanaan

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Premier League round 9 caused change at the leadership position. Fourth defeat of league's leader Orthodox (6-4) against third ranked Al Riyadi (6-4) 99-85 was the most important game of the last round. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Al Riyadi forced 23 Orthodox turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. It was a good game for the former international guard Malek Kanaan (182-1993, college: W.Valley JC) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals. The former international forward Yazan Al Taweel (188-1993) contributed with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 7 steals for the winners. The former international guard Freddy Ibrahim (190-1996, college: Tampa) answered with 25 points, 7 assists and 5 steals (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) for Orthodox. Orthodox's coach Harry Savaya rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Al Riyadi keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Orthodox and Al Ahli. Orthodox lost fourth consecutive game.
The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of Orthodox (6-4) in Amman. Hosts were rolled over by Al Ahli (6-4) 94-56. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The former international guard Amin Abuhawwas (190-1994, college: Mars Hill) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals for the winners and Mahmoud Hazaymeh chipped in 17 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was Akef Al Shiyab with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Orthodox and Al Riyadi. Orthodox lost fourth consecutive game.