In an inexplicable performance that was in sharp contrast to their hitherto brilliant run, Al Arabi could score no more than 12 points in any of the four quarters against a rampant Al Gharafa outfit who literally sleepwalked to victory.
Al Gharafa were ahead 25-8 after the first 10 minutes and 51-24 ahead at the halfway stage before completing the formalities.
Three of Al Gharafa’s players – Abdulrahman Saad, James justice and Sammy Monroe – scored 17 points each, while Nedim Muslic chipped in with 14. For Al Arabi, Khalid Abdrabbo had 12 points and William Byrd 11.
In another match, Qatar Sports Club scored a 90-86 overtime win over Al Sadd.
Al Sadd were ahead after the first three quarters but Qatar Sports Club put in a gallant effort in the final 10 minutes of regulation to tie the scores at 71-all.
That extended the match into overtime where Qatar Sports Club held their nerve to clinch a thrilling four-point victory.
Daishon knight scored 27 points for the winners, while Brandon Kearney had 19 and Mohamed Yousif 18. Julius Coles excelled for Al Sadd with 28 points, with Michael Moser close behind on 26.