QBL Round 9: Al Sadd is defeated by Al Gharafa

Nedim Muslic

What a coincidence that all visitors won their games. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Al Sadd (6-2) in Doha on Friday night. Hosts were edged by seventh ranked Al Gharafa (3-5) 89-87. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Al Sadd. Al Gharafa looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists. The former international forward Nedim Muslic (197-1998) stepped up with a triple-double by scoring 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winners and American power forward CJ Aiken (206-1990, college: St.Joseph's, agency: BIG) chipped in 11 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. The best for the losing side was American-German forward Waverly Austin (211-1991, college: Oregon, agency: Diamond Sports) with a triple-double by scoring 27 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists and 6 blocks. Al Gharafa moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Al Wakrah. Defending champion Al Sadd still keeps top position with two games lost. They share it with Qatar Club and Al Shamal.
Very significant was Qatar Club's (#4) 103-99 road victory against 3rd placed Al Arabi. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Al Arabi. It was a key game for the top position in the league. American guard Brian Halums (196-1997, college: UAFS) nailed a triple-double by scoring 38 points (!!!), 12 rebounds, 12 assists and 9 steals for the winning side and Dejan Janjic accounted for 33 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 8 assists. American-Nigerian guard Kelechi Ajukwa (201-1995, college: Charlotte) came up with 35 points (!!!), 9 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals for Al Arabi in the defeat. Al Arabi's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Qatar Club have a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Al Sadd and Al Shamal. Al Arabi at the other side dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with Al Rayyan.
QBL top team - Al Sadd (6-2) had no problems winning another game on Tuesday. This time they crushed sixth ranked Al Wakrah (3-5) 117-85. The best player for the winners was Waverly Austin who had a triple-double by scoring 20 points, 18 rebounds, 18 assists and 4 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was Donte McGill who recorded 35 points (!!!) and 6 steals. Al Wakrah's coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Al Sadd have a solid series of three victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 6-2 record, which they share with Qatar Club and Al Shamal. Al Wakrah lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with five games lost. They share it with Al Gharafa.

In the last game of round 9 Al Shamal destroyed Al Khor on the opponent's court 71-52.