Leon Macklin was the hero with 38 points as El Jaish wrapped up the Qatar Men’s League title with a 74-65 win over Al Gharafa yesterday.
Al Gharafa needed a win to force a title-deciding playoff but El Jaish were determined not to extend their rivals that courtesy, eventually edging them out in a gritty match.
El Jaish claimed the title having won all their 18 matches in the tournament while Al Gharafa won 16 of their 18.
El Jaish, who won their only League title in 2007-08 were also keen to win the event today, which coincides with the birthday of the club’s basketball head Mohamed al-Obaidly.
Al Gharafa, however, proved tough customers. They were always within striking distance of causing an upset, except late in the match when the El Jaish defence kept them on a tight leash.
El Jaish led 19-18 after the first quarter, but Al Gharafa fought back to take the honours in the next, 41-39.
The third quarter saw El Jaish raise their game and take control of matters. They scored 17 points in the period, compared to Al Gharafa’s 11 to post a 56-52 lead going into the final 10 minutes, which were dominated by El Jaish.
Macklin, who outscored the Al Gharafa top scorer Sammy Monroe by 14 points, was on the court for the full duration of the match, coming up with crucial plays.
He scored 28 points from field goals and finished with a 100 percent free-throw record, nailing all 10 throws he took. Remarkably, he didn’t attempt even a single three-pointer.
Hanil Abilmona and James Davon also excelled for the winners with 13 points each.
El Jaish coach Hatem Mamlouk was thrilled with the outcome of the match.
“We had to wait a long time for the title but we have nothing to complain about,” he said. “Leon as usual was excellent and he once again delivered when it was required of him,” he added.
Al Gharafa coach Koussay Hatem praised his team, saying they were a “bit unlucky.”
“El Jaish were the better side today but the match could have gone any way. We were a bit unlucky with our shots,” he said.