Easy victories for Al Rayyan, Al Sadd

By Sports reporter/Doha

Qatar giants Al Rayyan and Al Sadd scored easy wins in the Qatar Basketball League to assert their credentials as title favourites yesterday.

While Al Rayyan thrashed Al Shamal 101-70, Al Sadd drubbed Al Ahli 76-56 at the Al Rayyan Sports Club.

Al Rayyan, powered by Boney Watson and Zuza Jurica, literally toyed with Al Shamal to complete one of their most lopsided victories in recent history.

Watson scored 22 points, while Jurica went one better with 23 with Salim Abdulla (13), Tanguy Ngombo (10) and Abdulla Saher (10) providing able support.

For Al Shamal, Jonathan Huffman top-scored with 22, while Brian McKenzie had 14 and Tommy Smith 11.

Al Rayyan had 42 field goals as opposed to Al Shamal’s 23. The winners also shot eight three-pointers out of 20 attempts and converted 75% of their free-throws.

Meanwhile, Saad Abdulrahman was in fine form as he scored 19 points to help Al Sadd beat Al Ahli. Alpha Bangura had 18 points and Sulaiman Abdi 16 as Al Sadd dominated the match completely.

For Al Ahli, Alvin Mofunanya was the top-scorer with 15, while Khalud Hedad netted 13. Al Sadd scored 36 points in the paint, compared to Al Ahli’s 24. The winners also scored a whopping 16 points from turnovers, while Al Ahli could only manage six.

Today El Jaish meet Al Wakrah at 5.30pm, while Qatar Sports Club meet Al Khor at 7pm. Both matches will be played at the Al Rayyan Indoor Hall.