SBL Round 16 (Regular Season): Al Ahli hands first loss to Al-Ula

There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in SBL. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Al-Ula (15-1) in Jeddah on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by Al Ahli (15-1) 69-64. It ended at the same time the 15-game winning streak of Al-Ula. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Justin Patton (216-1997, college: Creighton) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. The other American import Tyler Stone (203-1991, college: SEMO, agency: Octagon Europe) contributed with 19 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Lebanese guard Wael Arakji (193-1994) replied with 21 points and 6 rebounds for Al-Ula. Al Ahli have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They used an opportunity after Al-Ula lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position which they share with defeated Al-Ula. Al Ahli is looking forward to face Al Salam (#5) in Al-Awamiyah in the next round. Al-Ula will play on the road against Al Nasr (#3) in Riyadh and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Al Salam (8-7) played at the court of 7th ranked Mudhar (5-11). Al Salam managed to secure a 5-point victory 66-61. Worth to mention a great performance of Almohammed Hani who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points and 18 rebounds and Stephen Hurt who added 17 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Al Salam's coach Aqeel Milad allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. At the losing side American guard Vante Hendrix (196-1998, college: CSUN, agency: BIG) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds. Al Salam maintains fifth position with 8-7 record. Newly promoted Mudhar keeps the seventh place with 11 games lost. Al Salam will play against league's second-placed Al Ahli in Jeddah in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Mudhar will play against Al Khewaildia (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Al-Awamiyah was also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Al Ittihad (11-4) played at the court of 5th ranked Al Salam (8-7). Al Ittihad defeated Al Salam 97-87 on Monday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Al Salam. The winners were led by Erick Neal who had that evening a double-double by scoring 27 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists and 5 steals. Al Ittihad's coach Slobodan Subotic used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 42 points (!!!), 12 rebounds and 6 assists by Alex Young did not help to save the game for Al Salam. Defending champion maintains fourth position with 11-4 record. Al Salam at the other side keeps the fifth place with seven games lost. Al Ittihad will meet at home Al Khaleej (#9) in the next round where they are favorite. Al Salam will play against the league's second-placed Al Ahli (#2) and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 16 were not that significant. Al Ittihad smashed Ohod on the road 100-69. Al Fateh destroyed Al Khewaildia on its own court 93-66. Al Khaleej was outscored by Al Nasr in Riyadh 100-53.



Ohod - Al Ittihad 69-100

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Al Ittihad (11-4) crushed bottom-ranked Ohod (1-15) in Medina 100-69 on Friday. Al Ittihad made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. Al Ittihad outrebounded Ohod 53-34 including a 38-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. Al Ittihad looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by point guard Abdulrahman Fallatah (170-1999) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 11 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists and American forward Jarell Eddie (201-1991, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Octagon Europe) supported him with 22 points. Five Al Ittihad players scored in double figures. Al Ittihad's coach Slobodan Subotic felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 20 points by guard Bakr Alhawsah (-2006) did not help to save the game for Ohod. Iraqi center Ahmed Obaidi (207-1998) added 13 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Defending champion maintains fourth position with 11-4 record. Ohod lost twelfth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 15 games lost. Al Ittihad will meet at home Al Khaleej (#9) in the next round where they are favorite. Ohod will play against Al Fateh in Al Hasa and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Ohod: A.Bakr 20+2reb+1ast, A.Osama 14+2reb+2ast, O.Ahmed 13+6reb, A.Yousef 6+7reb+4ast, A.Sultan 6+3reb+2ast, A.Mohammed 6+7reb+3ast
Al Ittihad: E.Jarell 22+4reb, Y.Aljohani 14+2reb+2ast, N.Alabsi 13+7reb, T.Elijah 12+4reb+1ast, A.Fallatah 11+14reb+8ast, M.Almarwani 9+4reb+2ast

Al Fateh - Al Khewaildia 93-66

Rather expected game when 8th ranked Al Khewaildia (3-13) was smashed by sixth ranked Al Fateh (7-9) in Al Hasa 93-66 on Friday. Al Fateh dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Al Khewaildia's 32. They outrebounded Al Khewaildia 42-27 including a 32-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Al Fateh looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Al Khewaildia's players. The winners were led by Serbian center Lazar Nekic (213-1999, college: LMU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points and 18 rebounds and Senegalese-Spanish power forward Mamadou Samb (210-1989) supported him with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Five Al Fateh players scored in double figures. Al Fateh's coach Saif Mubarak felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 20 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals by Senegalese forward Ibrahima Sankare (203-1996, college: Lyn) did not help to save the game for Al Khewaildia. American forward Keondre Jackson (203, college: Clayton St.) added 22 points and 11 rebounds for lost side. Al Fateh maintains sixth position with 7-9 record. Al Khewaildia at the other side keeps the eighth place with 13 games lost. Al Fateh will meet at home bottom-ranked Ohod (#10) in the next round. Al Khewaildia will play against Mudhar and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Al Khewaildia: K.Jackson 22+11reb+1ast, S.Ibrahima 20+12reb+6ast, A.Karrar 16+3ast, S.Mohammed 6+1reb+1ast, S.Ahmed 2+1reb+1ast, A.Sajad 0
Al Fateh: R.Alahmed 19+3reb+5ast, S.Mamadou 19+11reb+3ast, N.Lazar 18+18reb+2ast, H.Alrasheed 13+2reb+9ast, A.Al-Khodeir 10+3reb+4ast, A.Alkuhayli 6+2ast

Al Nasr - Al Khaleej 100-53

Very predictable result when third ranked Al Nasr (12-4) rolled over 9th ranked Al Khaleej (2-14) in Riyadh 100-53 on Friday. Al Nasr dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Al Khaleej's 42. Al Nasr forced 25 Al Khaleej turnovers and outrebounded them 56-35 including a 40-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. Al Nasr looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Al Khaleej's players. The winners were led by American power forward Chris Johnson (210-1985, college: LSU, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 23 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import swingman Brandon Austin (198-1994, college: NW Florida St., agency: Olsta) supported him with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Four Al Nasr players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds by Australian forward Lino Manhom (213-1998, college: UTPB) did not help to save the game for Al Khaleej. Mahdi Alzawad added 12 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Al Nasr maintains third position with 12-4 record having just three points less than leader Al-Ula. Al Khaleej lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 14 games lost. Al Nasr will meet at home league's leader Al-Ula in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Al Khaleej will play against Al Ittihad (#4) in Jeddah and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Al Khaleej: M.Lino 14+16reb+2ast, A.Mahdi 12+8reb, K.Thornton 11+1reb+4ast, A.Almonthadhar 8+1reb+3ast, A.Ali 6+6reb+2ast, A.Abbas 2
Al Nasr: J.Chris 23+15reb+4ast, A.Brandon 17+6reb+3ast, H.Bailey 15+4reb+4ast, M.Kadi 13+6reb+3ast, N.Jallas 7+7reb+3ast, A.Abdulla 6+4reb

Mudhar - Al Salam 61-66

The game in was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Al Salam (8-7) played at the court of 7th ranked Mudhar (5-11). Al Salam managed to secure a 5-point victory 66-61. Al Salam forced 20 Mudhar turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of Almohammed Hani who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points and 18 rebounds and American forward Stephen Hurt (211-1993, college: Kansas St., agency: Diamond Sports) who added 17 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Four Al Salam players scored in double figures. Al Salam's coach Aqeel Milad allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. At the losing side American guard Vante Hendrix (196-1998, college: CSUN, agency: BIG) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds and Nigerian center Jason Jitoboh (211-2001, college: Tennessee St., agency: JCK Sports Group) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks. Al Salam maintains fifth position with 8-7 record. Newly promoted Mudhar keeps the seventh place with 11 games lost. Al Salam will play against league's second-placed Al Ahli in Jeddah in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Mudhar will play against Al Khewaildia (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Mudhar: V.Hendrix 23+15reb+3ast, J.Jitoboh 16+11reb+2ast, A.Abdullah 10+5reb+1ast, A.Alhassan 7+7reb+3ast, A.Mosa 5+7reb, A.Mohammed 0
Al Salam: H.Stephen 17+10reb+1ast, A.Hani 16+18reb+3ast, H.Al-Darwish 14+2reb, Y.Alex 12+5reb+7ast, N.Maodo 6+9reb, A.Al-Qassab 1+6reb+2ast

Al Ahli - Al-Ula 69-64

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Al-Ula (15-1) in Jeddah on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by Al Ahli (15-1) 69-64. It ended at the same time the 15-game winning streak of Al-Ula. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Justin Patton (216-1997, college: Creighton) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. The other American import Tyler Stone (203-1991, college: SEMO, agency: Octagon Europe) contributed with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Lebanese guard Wael Arakji (193-1994) replied with 21 points and 6 rebounds and American point guard Jonathan Gibson (188-1987, college: NM State) added 14 points in the effort for Al-Ula. Al Ahli have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They used an opportunity after Al-Ula lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position which they share with defeated Al-Ula. Al Ahli is looking forward to face Al Salam (#5) in Al-Awamiyah in the next round. Al-Ula will play on the road against Al Nasr (#3) in Riyadh and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Al-Ula: W.Arakji 21+6reb+2ast, J.Gibson 14+4reb+2ast, A.Mohammed 10+9reb, A.Mohammed 9+3reb+1ast, A.Ahmed 8+2reb+3ast, T.Maker 2+14reb+1ast
Al Ahli: P.Justin 20+12reb+4ast, S.Tyler 19+11reb, A.Khalid 13+4reb+6ast, M.Almuwallad 6+7reb+1ast, A.Shubayli 6+5reb, M.Alfonzo 4+2reb+2ast

Al Salam - Al Ittihad 87-97

The game in Al-Awamiyah was also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Al Ittihad (11-4) played at the court of 5th ranked Al Salam (8-7). Al Ittihad defeated Al Salam 97-87 on Monday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Al Salam. Al Ittihad forced 19 Al Salam turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American point guard Erick Neal (178-1995, college: UT Arlington) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 27 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists and 5 steals and the former international Mathna Almarwani (186-1992) supported him with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Neal is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Al Ittihad's coach Slobodan Subotic used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 42 points (!!!), 12 rebounds and 6 assists by American forward Alex Young (198-1989, college: IUPUI) did not help to save the game for Al Salam. His fellow American import forward Stephen Hurt (211-1993, college: Kansas St., agency: Diamond Sports) added 12 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Defending champion maintains fourth position with 11-4 record. Al Salam at the other side keeps the fifth place with seven games lost. Al Ittihad will meet at home Al Khaleej (#9) in the next round where they are favorite. Al Salam will play against the league's second-placed Al Ahli (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Al Salam: A.Young 42+12reb+6ast, A.Hadi 13+6reb+1ast, S.Hurt 12+11reb+4ast, H.Almohammed 7+5reb+3ast, A.Ali 5+2reb+1ast, M.Nguirane 4+8reb
Al Ittihad: M.Almarwani 29+9reb+4ast, N.Erick 27+7reb+11ast, T.Elijah 18+6reb, N.Alabsi 7+2reb+1ast, E.Jarell 6+4reb+2ast, O.Albargawi 4+4reb