QBL Round 11: Al Ahli beat Al Wakrah by two after a very close game

Stephen Ugochukwu

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 11 in the QBL took place in Al Wakrah. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of 7th ranked Al Wakrah (3-8) to eighth ranked Al Ahli (3-8) 81-79 in the game for the seventh place. Al Ahli looked well-organized offensively handing out 36 assists. American-Nigerian forward Stephen Ugochukwu (201-1996, college: McNeese St.) orchestrated the victory with a triple-double by scoring 16 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists. The former international swingman Khalid Abdi (198-1987) contributed with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. The former international center Ndour Mame Souleye (206-1987) answered with a triple-double by scoring 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for Al Wakrah. Al Ahli moved-up to seventh place, which they share with defeated Al Wakrah. Al Wakrah lost seventh consecutive game. Al Ahli's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Doha Al Shamal.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Doha: Al Rayyan (#4) and Al Shamal (#4). Al Rayyan (9-3) won against visiting Al Shamal (9-3) 77-62. It was a great evening for American guard Malik Curry (185-1999, college: WVU, agency: Green Sports Management) who led his team to a victory with a triple-double by scoring 32 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Tanguy Ngombo helped adding 17 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. Al Rayyan's coach Stergios Koufos allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Palestinian-Canadian forward Shane Osayande (200-1993, college: Saskatchewan) responded with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Al Rayyan have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Qatar Club and Al Shamal. Al Rayyan's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Doha Al Sadd.
Another exciting game was again a derby between two local teams from Doha: Qatar Club (#2) and Al Arabi (#5). Qatar Club (9-3) crushed visiting Al Arabi (5-6) by 25 points 91-66. It was an exceptional evening for Brian Halums who led the winners with a triple-double by scoring 31 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists and 5 steals. Kelechi Ajukwa came up with 35 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 8 assists for Al Arabi in the defeat. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Qatar Club. They maintain second place with 9-3 record having just one point less than leader Al Sadd, which they share with Al Rayyan and Al Shamal. Al Arabi lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. Qatar Club's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Doha to the arena Al Gharafa.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 11: Al Sadd beat Al Gharafa on the road 84-75. Al Shamal won against Qatar Club on its own court 72-67. Winless Al Khor unfortunately lost to Al Rayyan in Doha 74-82.
The most impressive performance of 11th round was 18 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists by Mouhammad Faye of Al Rayyan.