Al Wakrah overcame a seven-point third quarter deficit to pip Al Ahli 94-92 in the Qatar Basketball League at Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday.
In a see-saw match during which the lead changed 31 teams, Al Wakrah reaped the reward for staying focused during the final few minutes to earn a thrilling win.
Al Ahli edged the first quarter 23-20 but Al Wakrah bounced back in style to completely dominate the second period and take a 49-39 advantage.
However, much to Al Wakrah’s surprise, Al Ahli not only erased the 10-point deficit but also managed to take a 71-64 lead to go into the final 10 minutes with their tails up.
That proved of little help as Al Wakrah come up with a massive 30-point effort, while at the same time restricting their rivals to just 21 to seal the outcome in their favour.
Earnest Ross scored 30 points for Al Wakrah, while Marcus Johnson had 23 and Adamu Saaka 22.
For Al Ahli, Nenad Zivchevikk’s massive 43-point effort went in vain.
In another match, Al Rayyan edged Al Khor 68-66 after the teams were tied 50-50 at the end of the third quarter.
Stephen Hurt once again was the star performer for Al Rayyan with 21 points while Tanguy Ngombo had 19 and Sherwood Brown scored 17.
Darrel Blackmon with 22 points excelled for Al Khor with Ja’’wan Davis contributing 18 and Ibnomer Hamed 10.
Al Wakrah (in blue and white) and Al Ahli players in action during their Qatar Basketball League match at the Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. Right: Action from Al Rayyan-Al Khor match.
