Saudi Basketball League (2025-2026)
Saudi Basketball League 2025-26
In 2025 the league decreased number of teams from 12 to 10.
Cup PlayOff
1/8 Finals Quarterfinals Semifinals Final 2026 Semifinals Quarterfinals 1/8 Finals
Al Salam103
Ohod60
Al-Ula89
Al Khaleej56
Al Ahli82
Al Salam62
Al-Ula97
Al Ahli94
Al-Ula89
Al Nasr82
Al Nasr90
Al Ittihad79
Al Nasr121
Mudhar84
Al Ittihad76
Al Fateh74
Mudhar73
Al Khewaildi66
Standings 2025-26
1
17-1
5
9-9
7
6-12
8
3-15
9
3-15
10
1-17
- newly prompted
Stats Leaders 2025-26
PPG
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
https://www.eurobasket.com/photos/Young_Alex_1.jpg

Al Salam
198 F 37y
Avg: 28.9 ppg

1
28.9
2
27.4
3
24.6
5
23.2
7
20.9
8
20.9
10
19.4
Player of the Week: Round 18 (RS)
Lino Manhom

Al Khaleej
213 F/C 28y
, 16.3rpg

Al-Ula celebrate the title (Photo: Instagram)
Arakji's 30-point masterclass lifts Al-Ula past Al Nassr 89-82 for Saudi Cup crown (Photo: Al Ula)
Sl-tli 9193-98
Izzat Ismail Izzat Ismail osBial
Jonathan Gibson
GaMsIj
Thon Maker
biVRQ
Mohammed Alsaqer
SlsiERQ
Wael Arakji
SQiVna
Mohammed Alsuwailem
SlsuTialRB
# Name CM (INCH) Pos Age Nat
99 * zIjiUhij GaMsIj 066 (8'9'') OG 52 USA
9 * whIj biVRQ 908 (4'0'') C 92 Australia South Sudan
6 * SMduliJaJ SliliTa 069 (8'1'') OG 92 Saudi Arabia
4 * bIhiBBRd SlsiERQ 043 (3'2'') y 70 Saudi Arabia
03 * bIhiBBRd Sl-VhiURQ Saudi Arabia
08 WiRl SQiVna 025 (8'7'') G 59 Lebanon
09 bIhiBBRd SlsuTialRB 900 (8'00'') C 96 Saudi Arabia
05 ShBRd SlBuVhUiQ 020 (8'5'') y 55 Saudi Arabia
2 bIhiBBRd AilRh 067 (8'0'') Ay 94 Saudi Arabia
3 eRdi Sl-BiUQIud 064 (8'9'') AG 02 Saudi Arabia
53 ShBid SlnRJija Saudi Arabia
1 Khilad AilRh 043 (3'2'') OG 94 Saudi Arabia
0 Ainid Sl-SEala 04 Saudi Arabia
1 bIhiBBRd SlhTsiTa 046 (3'01'') OG 59 Saudi Arabia
5 Sla Sl-SBQid 06 Saudi Arabia
01 HiBBiB Hussiaj 027 (8'3'') y 97 Saudi Arabia
3 ziBal Sl-STidha 04 Saudi Arabia
Head Coach: oJJiU osBial
Coach Assistant: AiQujis CapiQas
Coach Assistant: qLijDRlIs ApFQadas
 Average Height: 189.5 cm (6'2.6'')
 Average Age: 27.5
League & Cup MVP & Import POY
Top Scorer
Alex Young (28.9)
Defensive POY
Coach of the Year
SBL Round 18 (Regular Season): Al-Ula celebrate the title-Feb 7, 2026
Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Jeddah: Al Ittihad (#3) and Al Ahli (#2). Al Ahli was defeated at home 76-81 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. It ended at the same time the ten-game winning streak of Al Ahli. Strangely Al Ahli outrebounded Al Ittihad 46-26 including a 33-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Al Ahli helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was point guard Erick Neal (178-1995, college: UT Arlington) who scored 25 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Forward Elijah Thomas (210-1996, college: Clemson) chipped in 21 points and 5 rebounds. Al Ittihad's coach Slobodan Subotic used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was Tyler Stone (203-1991, college: SEMO, agency: Octagon Europe) who recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds. Al Ittihad (14-4) have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains third position having just three points less than leader Al-Ula. Al Ahli at the other side keeps the second place with two games lost.
Leader Al-Ula delivered the seventeenth victory. This time they crushed 7th ranked Mudhar (6-12) 123-77. It was a good game for American point guard Jonathan Gibson (188-1987, college: NM State) who led his team to a victory with 37 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds. Thon Maker contributed with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winners. Al-Ula's coach Izzat Ismail felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Vante Hendrix (196-1998, college: CSUN, agency: BIG) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for Mudhar. Al-Ula maintains first position with 17-1 record. Newly promoted Mudhar keeps the seventh place with 12 games lost.
The game in supposed to be also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Al Nasr (13-5) played at the court of 8th ranked Al Khewaildia (3-15). Al Nasr smashed Al Khewaildia 110-71 on Friday. Bailey Hardy scored 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners. The best for the losing side was Ibrahima Sankare with a double-double by scoring 29 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field). 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 fourth position with 13-5 record. Al Khewaildia lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Al Khaleej.

In the last two games of round 18 Al Khaleej crushed Ohod in a road game 86-57. Al Salam beat Al Fateh at home 92-84.
The best stats of 18th round was 39 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 4 assists by Alex Young of Al Salam.



Ohod - Al Khaleej 57-86

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 10th ranked Ohod's (1-17) home loss to ninth ranked Al Khaleej (3-15) 57-86 on Friday. Al Khaleej dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Ohod's 34. They outrebounded Ohod 63-45 including 20 on the offensive glass. Australian forward Lino Manhom (213-1998, college: UTPB) had a double-double by scoring 40 points (!!!) and 32 rebounds (on 18-of-23 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and American point guard Kaleb Thornton (183-1999, college: Akron) chipped in 14 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was Majed Alshanqiti with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 17 rebounds and Osama Alzahrani produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Four Ohod players scored in double figures. Al Khaleej moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Al Khewaildia. Ohod lost fourteenth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 17 lost games.
Top scorers:
Al Khaleej: L.Manhom 40+32reb, H.Alabbas 14+8reb+1ast, T.Kaleb 14+13reb+8ast, A.Alshake 7+1reb+3ast, A.Alzurayqi 7+1reb+3ast, A.Al-Darweesh 2+2reb+1ast
Ohod: A.Majed 16+17reb+3ast, A.Osama 15+10reb+1ast, A.Sultan 14+7reb, F.Hashim 12+7reb, F.Abdulrahman 0, A.Yazan 0+4reb+1ast
gschID: 1306544


Al Khewaildia - Al Nasr 71-110

The game in supposed to be also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Al Nasr (13-5) played at the court of 8th ranked Al Khewaildia (3-15). Al Nasr smashed Al Khewaildia 110-71 on Friday. Al Nasr dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Al Khewaildia's 36. They outrebounded Al Khewaildia 49-32 including 34 on the defensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Al Nasr made 8 blocks. American guard Bailey Hardy (188-2000, college: LCU) scored 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import power forward Chris Johnson (210-1985, college: LSU, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) chipped in 19 points and 9 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) during the contest. Five Al Nasr players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Senegalese forward Ibrahima Sankare (203-1996, college: Lyn) with a double-double by scoring 29 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field) and American forward Keondre Jackson (203, college: Clayton St.) scored 23 points and 8 rebounds. 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 fourth position with 13-5 record. Al Khewaildia lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Al Khaleej.
Top scorers:
Al Nasr: H.Bailey 21+8reb+4ast, A.Brandon 20+8reb, J.Chris 19+9reb+3ast, M.Kadi 13+6reb+1ast, B.Alsulimani 12+3reb+2ast, N.Jallas 10+6reb
Al Khewaildia: S.Ibrahima 29+12reb+5ast, K.Jackson 23+8reb+3ast, S.Ahmed 6+1reb+4ast, A.Abass 3+2reb, S.Mohammed 3+1reb+2ast, A.Mahdi 3+1reb+1ast
gschID: 1306545


Al Ahli - Al Ittihad 76-81

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Jeddah: Al Ittihad (#3) and Al Ahli (#2). Al Ahli was defeated at home 76-81 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. It ended at the same time the ten-game winning streak of Al Ahli. Strangely Al Ahli outrebounded Al Ittihad 46-26 including a 33-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Al Ahli helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was point guard Erick Neal (178-1995, college: UT Arlington) who scored 25 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Forward Elijah Thomas (210-1996, college: Clemson) chipped in 21 points and 5 rebounds. 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 a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was Tyler Stone (203-1991, college: SEMO, agency: Octagon Europe) who recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds and center Justin Patton (216-1997, college: Creighton) added 8 points and 14 rebounds respectively. Al Ittihad (14-4) have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains third position having just three points less than leader Al-Ula. Al Ahli at the other side keeps the second place with two games lost.
Top scorers:
Al Ittihad: N.Erick 25+6reb+8ast, T.Elijah 21+5reb+3ast, M.Almarwani 12+3reb+2ast, O.Albargawi 6+6reb, A.Ashoor 4+1ast, N.Alabsi 3
Al Ahli: T.Stone 25+12reb+1ast, A.Marzouq 12+4reb+3ast, J.Patton 8+14reb+2ast, B.Fahad 7+1reb, S.Ali 7+5reb, K.Abdel-Gabar 6+6reb+4ast
gschID: 1306546


Al-Ula - Mudhar 123-77

Leader Al-Ula delivered the seventeenth victory. This time they crushed 7th ranked Mudhar (6-12) 123-77. Al-Ula dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Mudhar's 46. They outrebounded Mudhar 41-28 including 31 on the defensive glass. Al-Ula players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. It was a good game for American point guard Jonathan Gibson (188-1987, college: NM State) who led his team to a victory with 37 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds. Australian-South Sudanese center Thon Maker (216-1997) contributed with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winners. Al-Ula's coach Izzat Ismail felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Vante Hendrix (196-1998, college: CSUN, agency: BIG) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and Nigerian center Jason Jitoboh (211-2001, college: Tennessee St., agency: JCK Sports Group) added 21 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Mudhar. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Al-Ula maintains first position with 17-1 record. Newly promoted Mudhar keeps the seventh place with 12 games lost.
Top scorers:
Al-Ula: G.Jonathan 37+5reb+3ast, M.Thon 25+6reb+7ast, M.Alsuwailem 16+8reb+2ast, M.Al-khater 12+4reb, A.Wael 10, M.Alsaqer 8+8reb+8ast
Mudhar: J.Jitoboh 21+6reb+1ast, V.Hendrix 19+10reb+4ast, A.Abdullah 15+3reb+1ast, A.Mosa 10+5reb+3ast, A.Alhassan 7+3reb+5ast, A.Mohammed 5+1reb+1ast
gschID: 1306547


Al Salam - Al Fateh 92-84

Everything could happen in Al-Awamiyah at the game between two tied teams. Both fifth ranked Al Salam and 6th ranked Al Fateh had identical 8-9 record. This time Al Salam used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Al Hasa 92-84 on Friday night. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Al Salam made 9 blocks. American forward Alex Young (198-1989, college: IUPUI) scored 39 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Almohammed Hani chipped in 19 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Senegalese-Spanish power forward Mamadou Samb (210-1989) with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 18 rebounds and Serbian center Lazar Nekic (213-1999, college: LMU) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. Five Al Fateh players scored in double figures. Al Salam maintains fifth position with 9-9 record. Loser Al Fateh keeps the sixth place with ten games lost.
Top scorers:
Al Salam: Y.Alex 39+8reb+4ast, A.Hani 19+11reb+3ast, M.Iqbal 15+3reb+3ast, H.Al-Darwish 9+3reb+2ast, H.Stephen 6+7reb+3ast, N.Maodo 4+5reb+2ast
Al Fateh: M.Samb 22+18reb+1ast, L.Nekic 20+11reb+1ast, A.Rayan 15+3reb+3ast, A.Hesham 14+6reb+9ast, A.Ali 12+3reb+6ast, A.Muneer 1+2reb+1ast
gschID: 1306548


Asia-Basket.com All-Saudi Arabian SBL Awards 2026-Feb 10, 2026
Wael Arakji, Lebanese guard from the champion team Al-Ula, was honored as the Player of the Year at the Saudi Basketball League. He received multiple other awards, earned the Import Player of the Year and was named to the First Team. With Arakji's excellent performance, the champion team Al-Ula achieved the best record of the season in the league, finishing with an impressive 17 to 1 in the regular season. Arakji was the Player of the Week honoree in the league. He averaged over 18 points and 4 assists per game in the league. Arakji has totalled 11 games of 20 or more points on the year and recorded 30 or more points in 3 games. He registered double-doubles in 3 games during the event. Arakji's 35 points against Al Sharjah were the most he scored in the 25 26 season. Tyler Stone, 34-year old American power forward from the runner-up team Al Ahli Jeddah, picked up the Defensive Player of the Year of Saudi Basketball League. He graduated from the SEMO twelve years ago. Stone collected multiple other honors, was named the Forward of the Year, and earned a spot in the First Team, Imports Team and Defensive Team. With Stone's excellent performance, the runner-up team Al Ahli Jeddah achieved the best record of the season in the league, finishing with an impressive 16 to 2 in the regular season. He received Player of the Week award in the league. Stone's exceptional play earned him the second spot in points per game, boasting an impressive average of over 27. He also had almost 11 rebounds per game that season in the league. Stone has totalled 10 games of 20 or more points on the year and recorded 30 or more points in 5 games. He logged double-doubles in 8 games at the event. Stone's 34 points against Mudhar were the most he scored in the 25 26 season. The best players in the league are US college alumni. Just on the list of the top 10 best scorers we have 9 out of 10 players, who had college careers. He won the Portuguese League championship title in 2025. Erick Neal, American point guard from the Al Ittihad Jeddah, was voted the Guard of the Year at the Saudi Basketball League. He Is UT Arlington alumni from 2018. Neal received multiple other awards, was voted to the First Team and Imports Team and Defensive Team. He registered almost 21 points per game over the season in the league. Neal was voted Player of the Week in the league. He led the SBL in assists per game with over 9. Neal has totalled 12 games of 20 or more points and notched double-doubles in 15 games on the year. His 31 points against Al Muharraq were the most he scored in the 25 26 season. The best players in the league are US college alumni. Just on the list of the top 10 best scorers we have 9 out of 10 players, who had college careers. He won the The Basketball Tournament championship title in 2024. Justin Patton, 28-year old American center from the Al Ahli Jeddah, was selected as the Center of the Year of Saudi Basketball League. He Is ex Creighton from 2017. Patton was also selected to the First Team. He averaged over 14 points and 8 rebounds per game in the league. Patton has totalled 3 games of 20 or more points and recorded double-doubles in 4 games on the year. His 29 points against Al Khaleej were the most he scored in the 25 26 season. Patton's college team made it to the FIBA Europe Cup final in 2023. Alex Young, 36-year old American forward from the Al Salam, was chosen to the First Team at the Saudi Basketball League. He Is alumni of the IUPUI from 2012. Young was also named to the Imports Team. He registered over 7 rebounds per game that season in the league. Young led the SBL in points per game with almost 29. He has totalled 16 games of 20 or more points on the year and had 30 or more points in 9 games. Young recorded double-doubles in 5 games at the event. His 42 points against the Al Ittihad were the most he scored in the 25 26 season. The best players in the league are US college alumni. Just on the list of the top 10 best scorers we have 9 out of 10 players, who had college careers. Young's team won the UAE Federation Cup in 2022.
Player of the Year: Lebanese Wael Arakji (193-G-32) of Al-Ula
Defensive Player of the Year: USA Tyler Stone (203-PF-35) of Al Ahli
Domestic Player of the Year: Saudi Arabian Mohammed Alsuwailem (211-C-28) of Al-Ula
Import Player of the Year: Lebanese Wael Arakji (193-G-32) of Al-Ula
Guard of the Year: USA Erick Neal (178-PG-31) of Al Ittihad
Forward of the Year: USA Tyler Stone (203-PF-35) of Al Ahli
Center of the Year: USA Justin Patton (216-C-29) of Al Ahli
Coach of the Year: Lebanese Izzat Ismail of Al-Ula

Asia-Basket.com Saudi Arabian SBL First Team 2026
Stone
Neal
Young
Arakji
Patton

First Team
USA Tyler Stone (203-PF-35) of Al Ahli
USA Erick Neal (178-PG-31) of Al Ittihad
USA Alex Young (198-F-37) of Al Salam
Lebanese Wael Arakji (193-G-32) of Al-Ula
USA Justin Patton (216-C-29) of Al Ahli

Asia-Basket.com Saudi Arabian SBL Second Team 2026
Alsuwailem
Maker
Kadi
Eddie
Gibson

Second Team
Saudi Arabian Mohammed Alsuwailem (211-C-28) of Al-Ula
Australian-South Sudanese Thon Maker (216-C-29) of Al-Ula
Saudi Arabian Musab Kadi (196-F-27) of Al Nasr
USA Jarell Eddie (201-F-35) of Al Ittihad
USA Jonathan Gibson (188-PG-39) of Al-Ula

Asia-Basket.com Saudi Arabian SBL Third Team 2026
Hardy
Austin
Hendrix
McKinnie
Nekic

Third Team
USA Bailey Hardy (188-G-26) of Al Nasr
USA Brandon Austin (198-G/F-32) of Al Nasr
USA Vante Hendrix (196-G-28) of Mudhar
USA Alfonzo McKinnie (202-F-34) of Al Ahli
Serbian Lazar Nekic (213-C-27) of Al Fateh

Asia-Basket.com Saudi Arabian SBL Honorable Mention 2026
Sankare
Hurt
Almarwani
Manhom
Abdel-Gabar
Harat
Samb
Jitoboh

Honorable Mention
Senegalese Ibrahima Sankare (203-F-30) of Al Khewaildia
USA Stephen Hurt (211-F-33) of Al Salam
Saudi Arabian Mathna Almarwani (186-SG-34) of Al Ittihad
Australian Lino Manhom (213-F-28) of Al Khaleej
Canadian-Saudi Arabian Khalid Abdel-Gabar (188-G-36) of Al Ahli
Algeria Mohamed Harat (198-SF-36) of Al Nasr
Senegalese-Spanish Mamadou Samb (210-C/F-37) of Al Fateh
Nigerian Jason Jitoboh (211-C-25) of Mudhar

Asia-Basket.com Saudi Arabian SBL All-Domestic Players Team 2026
Alsuwailem
Kadi
Abdel-Gabar
Almarwani
Alsaqer

All-Domestic Players Team
Saudi Arabian Mohammed Alsuwailem (211-C-28) of Al-Ula
Saudi Arabian Musab Kadi (196-F-27) of Al Nasr
Canadian-Saudi Arabian Khalid Abdel-Gabar (188-G-36) of Al Ahli
Saudi Arabian Mathna Almarwani (186-SG-34) of Al Ittihad
Saudi Arabian Mohammed Alsaqer (175-F-41) of Al-Ula

Asia-Basket.com Saudi Arabian SBL All-Imports Team 2026
Stone
Neal
Gibson
Young
Maker

All-Imports Team
USA Tyler Stone (203-PF-35) of Al Ahli
USA Erick Neal (178-PG-31) of Al Ittihad
USA Jonathan Gibson (188-PG-39) of Al-Ula
USA Alex Young (198-F-37) of Al Salam
Australian-South Sudanese Thon Maker (216-C-29) of Al-Ula

Asia-Basket.com Saudi Arabian SBL All-Defensive Team 2026
Stone
Neal
Harat
Gibson
Alsuwailem

All-Defensive Team
USA Tyler Stone (203-PF-35) of Al Ahli
USA Erick Neal (178-PG-31) of Al Ittihad
Algeria Mohamed Harat (198-SF-36) of Al Nasr
USA Jonathan Gibson (188-PG-39) of Al-Ula
Saudi Arabian Mohammed Alsuwailem (211-C-28) of Al-Ula
*The awards were created by Asia-basket.com staff based on the stats (if available), teams' performance and players' performance. It very often required deeper research and collecting various data about the players and their teams.
Arakji's 30-point masterclass lifts Al-Ula past Al Nassr 89-82 for Saudi Cup crown-Mar 31, 2026
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.