Round 14 (Regular Season): Kuwait lose to Al-Ula

Coincidentally all hosts won their games. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise took place in where host Saudi Arabian Al-Ula (3-2) crushed Kuwaiti Kuwait (3-2) 88-58 on Tuesday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Kuwait. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Al-Ula. Kuwait managed to win second period 14-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Kuwait 45-30 including a 32-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. 28 personal fouls committed by Kuwait helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Lebanese guard Wael Arakji (193-1994) who scored 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. chipped in 13 points and 14 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). French center Joffrey Lauvergne (211-1991) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds for the guests. 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-Ula keeps a position of league leader, which they share with defeated Kuwait. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Important game to mention about took place in Jeddah. First ranked Saudi Arabian Al Ittihad (4-1) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 4th ranked Kuwaiti Kazma (1-4) 86-84 on Monday evening. American point guard Erick Neal (178-1995, college: UT Arlington) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 9 rebounds and 14 assists. Elijah Thomas contributed with 25 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Lebanese guard Wael Arakji (193-1994) replied with 30 points and 8 rebounds for Kazma. Defending Saudi Arabian champion maintains first position with 4-1 record. Kazma lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

The best stats of 14th round was 13 points and 14 rebounds by Mohammed Alsuwailem of Al-Ula.



Al Ittihad - Kazma 86-84

Important game to mention about took place in Jeddah. First ranked Saudi Arabian Al Ittihad (4-1) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 4th ranked Kuwaiti Kazma (1-4) 86-84 on Monday evening. Al Ittihad players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Kazma was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. American point guard Erick Neal (178-1995, college: UT Arlington) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 9 rebounds and 14 assists. The other American import forward Elijah Thomas (210-1996, college: Clemson) contributed with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Neal is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Lebanese guard Wael Arakji (193-1994) replied with 30 points and 8 rebounds and added 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in the effort for Kazma. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Defending Saudi Arabian champion maintains first position with 4-1 record. Kazma lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with four games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Al Ittihad: T.Elijah 25+11reb+2ast, N.Erick 18+9reb+14ast, M.Almarwani 12+5reb+3ast, N.Alabsi 11+3reb+1ast, E.Jarell 8+2reb+3ast, O.Albargawi 6+3reb
Kazma: M.Strahinja 30+8reb+3ast, A.Ahmad 21+6reb+6ast, A.Hussein 14+8reb+2ast, P.Greene IV 14+5reb+1ast, A.Khalif 2+3reb+2ast, M.Abdulaziz 2+2reb+1ast

Al-Ula - Kuwait 88-58

The biggest surprise took place in where host Saudi Arabian Al-Ula (3-2) crushed league's leader Kuwaiti Kuwait (3-2) 88-58 on Tuesday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Kuwait. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The game was mostly controlled by Al-Ula. Kuwait managed to win second period 14-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Kuwait 45-30 including a 32-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. 28 personal fouls committed by Kuwait helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was Lebanese guard Wael Arakji (193-1994) who scored 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Mohammed Alsuwailem chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points and 14 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). Five Al-Ula players scored in double figures. French center Joffrey Lauvergne (211-1991) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds and American point guard Charlie Moore (183-1998, college: Miami, FL) added 17 points and 5 assists respectively for the guests. 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-Ula keeps a position of league leader, which they share with defeated Kuwait. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Al-Ula: A.Wael 25+6reb+4ast, M.Thon 16+12reb, A.Alalawi 16+3reb+4ast, G.Jonathan 14+2reb+5ast, M.Alsuwailem 13+14reb+2ast, M.Saleh 2+3reb
Kuwait: J.Lauvergne 18+14reb, C.Moore 17+2reb+5ast, A.Alghais 8+3reb+3ast, J.Omran 6+3reb, H.Hamad 5+3ast, A.Mohammad 4+3reb