By Sports Reporter/Doha
Al Ahli edged neighbours Al Arabi 70-68 in a thrilling Qatar Men’s League match at the Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday.
American Consteveous Jefferson was the hero of the match as he struck with two free throws in the final minute, with the second coming seven seconds from close, to clinch the issue for Al Ahli after a neck and neck battle.
There was precious little to choose between the teams as they played the first two quarters on level terms (16-16, 35-35), but Al Ahli edged ahead 50-49 at the end of the third quarter and held their nerve until the end.
Jefferson, who played for Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA in 2008-09, scored a team-high 19 points for Al Ahli, converting 10 points from 15 free throws and scoring one three-pointer.
He was ably supported by Soyebo Narcellius and Tyrone McNeal who scored 17 and 15, respectively.
Hassino Ndoye scored a game-high 21 points but still ended up on the losing side, scoring seven points each from field goals and free throws.
Seck Oumar was second best for Al Arabi with 18 points, while Ngombo Tanguy and Hamed Moutasim scored 15 and 11, respectively.
“It was a match that could have gone anywhere but Consteveous didn’t show any pressure and nailed the win for us,” said Al Ahli coach Sherif El Attar.
“You need to win such matches in order to do well in the tournament,’ he added
In the second match of the day Qatar Sports club defeated 90-82.
Players fight for the ball during the match between Al Arabi and Al Ahli in the Qatar Men’s League yesterday.
