Al Shamal’s Kamal Hachad (No 14) goes for the basket during the opening match of the Qatar Basketball League against Wakrah at Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. PICTURE: Anas khalid
By Sports Reporter/Doha
Kamal Hachad scored a match-high 27 points as Al Shamal edged Al Wakrah 75-71 in the opening match of the Qatar Basketball League (QBL) at Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday.
In a close encounter, Al Shamal trailed their rivals 22-27 after the first quarter but kept their nerves for a creditable opening win that would no doubt boost their confidence as the tournament progresses.
Kamal scored of eight of 18 field goal attempts and found the mark with 10 out of 16 free-throws, while Elvin Mobiana added 20 points in a stellar supporting role.
Abdul Qadir Kosar with 12 points and Badr Abdulla with seven also excelled for the winners.
For Al Wakrah, Daryl Dorsey shone with 25 points which included nine scored from three-pointers, while Adamu Saaka had 21.
Al Wakrah led 59-58 at the end of the third quarter but could only manage 12 points in the final period, which contributed to their defeat.
Al Shamal, on the other hand, managed 17 points.
On Saturday, Al Gharafa play Qatar Sports Club at 5pm followed by a match between Al Sadd and Al Arabi at 7pm.
