QBL Round 10: Al Sadd keep a leadership position

Waverly Austin

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Al Sadd as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Al Sadd smashed bottom-ranked Al Khor in Doha 85-65. Al Sadd looked well-organized offensively handing out 39 assists. American-German forward Waverly Austin (211-1991, college: Oregon, agency: Diamond Sports) fired a triple-double by scoring 23 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists for the winners. International forward Babacar Dieng (197-1997) chipped in 17 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and 4 steals. American power forward Tony Criswell (205-1991, college: Missouri) produced 27 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists for lost side. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Qatar Club and Al Shamal. Al Khor at the other side still closes the standings with 11 games lost. Al Khor will play next round against strong Al Rayyan trying to get back on the winning streak. Al Sadd will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Al Gharafa. It will be extra interesting game as Al Gharafa is their local rival from Doha.
Eighth-ranked Al Ahli (2-8) made lots of trouble for third ranked Al Sadd (8-2) in Doha. Al Sadd managed to secure only three-point victory 90-87. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of American Vander Blue (196-1992, college: Marquette) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals. Waverly Austin contributed with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. American-Nigerian forward Stephen Ugochukwu (201-1996, college: McNeese St.) replied with a triple-double by scoring 13 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists for Al Ahli. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Qatar Club and Al Shamal. Al Ahli lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with eight games lost. Al Sadd's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Doha to the arena Al Gharafa.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Doha: Al Shamal (#2) and Al Gharafa (#6). Al Shamal (8-2) won against visiting Al Gharafa (5-6) 73-62. Aleksandar Mitrovic scored 29 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners. At the losing side Mohd Yousuf Mohmmed responded with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Al Shamal have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Al Sadd and Qatar Club. Loser Al Gharafa keeps the sixth place with six games lost. Al Shamal's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Doha Qatar Club.

Rest of the games of round 10 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Al Wakrah was defeated by Qatar Club in Doha 78-67. Al Arabi was smashed by Al Rayyan at home 70-89. Al Gharafa won against Al Khor on the opponent's court 85-77.
The best stats of 10th round was 20 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals by Khalid Abdi of Al Ahli.