Al Rayyan's Tahjon Komar Starks prepares to shoot
Doha, Qatar: Al Wakrah and Al Rayyan moved into the semi-finals of the Amir Cup basketball tournament after winning their respective Group 2 matches at the Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday.
Al Wakrah overcame a challenge from Al Arabi, winning 82-70 to claim their third straight victory and top the group with six points.
Qatar Basketball League champions Al Rayyan had to battle hard for a 90-88 win over Qatar SC to book their last-four spot, thanks to a last-gasp threepointer from Meho Haracic.
They finished second in the group with five points.
The semi-finals will be played on June 12 while the final is scheduled to be played on June 15. Al Wakrah, who earlier registered impressive wins over Al Rayyan and Qatar SC, maintained their fine form to knock Al Arabi out of the semi-finals race.
Brandon Lloyd Spearman yesterday was the star for Al Wakrah, firing 24 points besides eight rebounds and two assists.
Julius V Coles Jr and Donte Lamont Mc Gill, who scored 20 points and 19 points respectively, also made valuable contribution for the winners.
The opening periods witnessed a close fight with Al Wakrah leading 21-20 before Al Arabi bounced back to take 41-39 advantage. However, Al Wakrah remained dominant in the last
two sessions closing the third quarter at 61-57 before sealing the victory.
Kelechi Austin Ajukwa was the top scorer for Al Arabi with a tally of 21 points.
Al Wakrah's Brandon Lloyd spearman dribbles past Al Arabi's Khaled Roushdy Abdelbaset
Later, Al Rayyan faced a tough challenge from Qatar SC after they led 45-31 following the two periods. Qatar SC reduced the lead in the third quarter taking the score to 51-61.
They battled hard in the last period and snatched an 88-87 lead in final stages of the match, before Haracic rescued Al Rayyan with only few seconds left.
Tahjon Komar Starks scored 22 points for Al Rayyan as a fine show by Qatar SC’s duo of Brian Re Karion Halums (39 points) and Dejan Janjic (24 points) went in vain.
Meanwhile, Al Gharafa will take on Al Khor while defending champions Al Sadd will meet Al Shamal as the Group 1 semifinalists will be decided tomorrow. Al Ahli, who have completed their group matches, are leading the group with seven points followed by Al Gharafa and Al Sadd, who have five points apiece.
