Hendrix's 34 carry defending champions Amman United to back-to-back Jordanian titles in Game 5 clincher

Amman United successfully defended their CFI Premier Basketball League championship on Wednesday, rallying from an early deficit to beat Al Faisaly 88-77 in a decisive Game 5 at Prince Hamzah Sport Hall before 2,000 fans and claim their second consecutive Jordanian title.
Vante Hendrix (196-G-1998, college: CSUN, agency: BIG) was the difference-maker, pouring in a game-high 34 points on 13-of-23 shooting including 11-of-20 from two-point range with eight rebounds, three steals, and a block. The American import drew seven trips to the free-throw line and converted six as he carried the offensive burden in the biggest game of the season.
Coach Makoto Mamiya's side trailed early. Al Faisaly won the first quarter 22-15 and led 48-41 at halftime behind balanced scoring from their starting five. But Amman United transformed after the break. A 20-14 third quarter cut the deficit to a single point (61-62), and a dominant 27-15 fourth quarter their best stretch of the entire series sealed the title.
Hashem Abbas (198-F-1999, college: Bridgeport) was lethal in 20 bench minutes with 20 points on 9-of-17 shooting, seven rebounds, and three assists providing the second-half spark that ignited the comeback. Captain Ahmad Alhamarsheh (197-F-1986) played all 40 minutes with nine points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Yazan AlTaweel (188-F-1993) contributed six points and a game-high 13 rebounds (nine defensive). Amin Abu Hawwas added 13 points and five assists.
Amman United dominated inside with 58 points in the paint versus Al Faisaly's 36, and their 21 offensive rebounds generated 23 second-chance points the rebounding advantage ultimately proving decisive in an 11-point game.
For Al Faisaly, who had finished level with Amman United atop the regular-season standings at 13-1, Abu Kigab (200-F-1998, college: Boise St.) led with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Brian Holmes (185-G-1991, college: Georgia South) had 19 points (10-of-10 FT) and 10 rebounds. Yousef Dweik (188-G) added 16 off the bench with four triples. But the visitors were outscored 47-29 in the second half as their offense collapsed under Amman United's defensive pressure.
The title is Amman United's second in succession having won their maiden championship in 2024-25 against Al-Ahli and establishes the club as Jordan's new basketball dynasty. Al-Ahli Orthodox hold the all-time record with 25 titles.