Arakji's 30-point masterclass lifts Al-Ula past Al Nassr 89-82 for Saudi Cup crown

Lebanese star Wael Arakji (193-G-1994) poured in 30 points, seven assists and five steals as Al-Ula defeated Al Nassr 89-82 on Sunday to capture the MOS Cup, completing a stunning double for the Saudi basketball powerhouse. Arakji was virtually unstoppable at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Arena, going 10-of-24 from the field and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line across nearly 37 minutes. The 28-year-old guard controlled the game at both ends, recording the highest efficiency rating on the court at 31. Former NBA center Thon Maker (216-C-1997) provided the muscle inside with 15 points, a game-high 14 rebounds 13 on the defensive glass and two assists in just over 31 minutes. The Australian-born big man shot 6-of-11 from the field and added three blocks, serving as the defensive anchor that Al-Ula needed to contain Al Nassr's interior attack. Mohammed Alsuwailem (211-C-1998) contributed a double-double of 12 points and eight rebounds while swatting three shots, and Abdulaziz Alalawi (182-PG-1997) added 11 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting night. Mohammed Alsaqer (175-F-1985) orchestrated the offense alongside Arakji with five assists despite scoring just three points. Al Nassr refused to go quietly. Bailey Hardy (188-G-2000, college: LCU) and Nasser Abo Jallas each scored 18 points to lead the Riyadh club. Hardy added six rebounds and five assists in a well-rounded effort, while Abo Jallas pulled down seven boards and shot an efficient 7-of-13 from the field. Musab Kadi (196-F-1999) contributed 14 points, three steals and two blocks in nearly 37 minutes the most of any Al Nassr player. Chris Johnson (210-F/C-1985, college: LSU, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) was a force on the glass for the losing side with eight rebounds (six defensive) and added nine points, two steals and a block. The difference came down to efficiency and free-throw shooting. Al-Ula shot 47.9 percent from the field compared to Al Nassr's 42.3 percent, and were clinical from the charity stripe at 75 percent (12-of-16) while Al Nassr converted just 57.1 percent (12-of-21). Al-Ula also won the rebounding battle 44-41 and held a slim 17-16 edge in assists.
Both teams committed a near-identical number of turnovers 13 for Al-Ula, 12 for Al Nassr but it was Al-Ula's defensive pressure, generating eight steals led by Arakji's five, that created the separation in key moments.
The cup title caps a remarkable season for Izzat Ismail's side, who already clinched the Saudi Basketball League regular-season championship with a dominant 17-1 record. Al Nassr finished fourth in the league standings at 13-5 and will look to regroup as the second season of the SBL 2025-26 campaign continues.