Noubissie Steve ( in white) of Eljaish tries to score against Qatar Sports Club during his side’s Qatar Basketball League match at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. RIGHT: Noubissie Steve (in white) of Eljaish attempts to score a point against Qatar Sports Club. PICTURES BY: ABDUL BASIT
By Danotzki Santos
DOHA: Al Gharafa outhustled and outscored an out of sync Al Arabi, 87-79, in the Qatar Basketball League at the Al Gharafa Indoor Arena, yesterday.
Rasheim Wright and his team-mates got off to a hot start and zoomed to an early 8-0 lead.
However, Al Arabi woke up in time to fight back and get close at 22-17 at the end of the first period.
Alvin Mofunanya drew first blood in the second period to bring Al Arabi closer at 22-19 but the blue shirts beat their counterparts in the ensuing plays to pull away 32-24 midway in the quarter.
Coach Koussay Hatem’s wards were relentless on both ends and shot better from the field to stay in command, leading 48-42 at half-time.
William Byrd went to work early in the third period to push his team to 54- 50.
Omar Salem and Wright led an 8-2 assault to give Al Gharafa a double digit advantage at 62-52, and then took control to post a 73-57 lead before the start of the final quarter.
Al Arabi could not get their offense clicking at the onset last quarter and got buried deeper, 81-63, as the game reached the homestretch and were unable to overcome the deficit.
Meanwhile, Eljaish picked up their eighth win of the season at the expense of Qatar Sports Club, 69-48, in the first match played yesterday.
The next round of games will be played tomorrow with Al Rayyan pitting wares versus Al Shamal in the first game at 4:15. Al Wakrah, who are coming off an inspiring upset win over Al Sadd, take on Al Ahli at 7:15 pm.
THE PENINSULA
