Doha, Qatar: Vander Lee Blue II and Alen Hadzibegovic starred as Al Sadd prevailed over spirited Al Ahli 76-70 in the final to retain their Amir Cup basketball title at Al Gharafa Sports Club on Thursday.
Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani crowned the winners, who sealed their fourth overall title triumph in the prestigious tournament.
QOC First Vice President Mohamed Yousef Al Mana, Asian Basketball Federation President Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani and Qatar Basketball Federation President Mohammed Saad Almeghaiseeb along with other top sports officials also attended the final.
Watched by a good number of spectators, the final witnessed exciting action but Al Sadd stayed ahead throughout the contest to defeat Al Ahli for the second time in the tournament after their group stage win.
Al Sadd were boosted by a brilliant show from Lee Blue II, who had 17 points, three rebounds and nine assists while Hadzibegovic was also outstanding in the match as he registered 15 points, 13 rebounds and two assists.
The defending champions, who ousted favourites Al Rayyan in the semi-final after topping Group 1, maintained their form yesterday as they managed to close the first period with a 27-24 lead despite a tough fight from the Brigadiers.
Al Sadd continued their domination and extended their lead to 43-35 in the second session and went into the final quarter with a 57-47 lead before they rounded off an impressive victory.
Faisal Nabil Abuissa (13 points), Waverly Samuel Austin (13) and Darrin Ray Dorsey (11) also made valuable contribution for the champions.
Despite the loss, Manos Manouselis-coached Al Ahli will take back a lot of positives after their impressive performance throughout the tournament, including a win over in-form Al Wakrah in the semi-final.
Their star D’mitrik Alexander Trice remained the top performer of the match with 22 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Al Ahli’s Ndoye Elhadj Seydou was also impressive, scoring 16 points.
Al Sadd are now just one title behind five-time champions Al Gharafa while Al Rayyan remain the most successful side in the tournament with nine crowns.
