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Tribune news Network
DOHA
Al Wakrah Club edged Al Ahli Club 94-92 in a highly unpredictable match and gained an entry into the semi-finals of the Qatar Basketball Federation League at the Al Gharafa Club Indoor Hall on Tuesday.
There was no doubt that it was a vital game for Al Wakrah, who were placed fourth in the standings with 24 points behind leaders Al Gharafa Club, second-placed Al Arabi and Qatar Sports Club.
A defeat at this stage would have seen Al Wakrah miss out on a glorious chance of making it to the last four stage and open ways for either multiple champions Al Rayyan Club or 2012-13 winners Al Sadd. But the triumph has ended hopes for both the chasing teams.
The game also had many an up and down as the lead changed hands for a massive 31 times and both sides were locked on 13 occasions.
Al Wakrah, who fell behind three times by 15 points in the final quarter, staged a thrilling return. Centre Erfan Ali Saeed got a clutch five points to get his team within a point of drawing level (89-90).
Forward Earnest Lee Ross Jr accepted both the offers from the charity stripe and followed it with a dunk to place Al Wakrah up by three points (93-90) with 18 seconds left.
In the remaining time, Al Ahli twice got two free throws, while Al Wakrah also had one such opportunity. However, Al Ahli could only reduce the gap by two points through forward Nenad Zivchevikk and Ross sank one of the two throws to seal the roller-coaster win by two points and the fate of Al Ahli.
This was the 10th win in 16 games for Al Wakrah, taking their tally to 26. Al Ahli might have concluded the League with 14th loss in 16 matches but they went out certainly with some consolation despite a big 43-point contribution from forward Zivchevikk. Forwards Nemanja Besovic and Ndoye Elhadj Seydou chipped in 17 each.
Ross led the bench with 30 out of 32 points for the winners. He grabbed 10 rebounds as well. Point guard Marcus Johnson and forward Adamu Saaka added 23 and 22 points, respectively.
In another match, which was also quite exciting, 17-time winners Al Rayyan Club overcame Al Khor Club by 68-66 after trailing by eight points at the interval (33-41). Both led in turns for 25 times, besides being deadlocked on 10 occasions.
Stephen Hurt led the attack for Al Rayyan and collected 21 points, along with 12 rebounds. Tanguy Ngombo and Sherwood Brown added 19 and 17, respectively.
For Al Khor, Darrell Blackmon Jr had 22 points, while he was followed by Jawan Davis (18), Aladji Bobo Magassa (10 points and 12 rebounds) and Ibnomer Hamed (10 points).
The ninth win for Al Rayyan took their tally to 25 points, while Al Khor ended the League with 4-14 win-loss record.
The top four teams will play the best of three semi-final playoffs from January 27, while the final is scheduled on February 3.
Results
Al Wakrah Club beat Al Ahli Club 94-92 (halftime 49-39)
Main performers Al Wakrah Club: Earnest Lee Ross Jr 30 pts & 10 rebounds, Marcus Johnson 23 pts, Adamu Saaka 22 pts
Al Ahli Club: Nenad Zivchevikk 43 pts, Ndoye Elhadj Seydou 17 pts, Namanja Besovic 17 pts
Al Rayyan Club beat Al Khor 68-66 (halftime 33-41)
Main performers - Al Rayyan Club: Stephen Hurt 21 pts & 12 rebounds, Tanguy Ngombo 19 pts, Sherwood Brown 17 pts
Al Khor: Darrell Blackmon Jr 22 pts, Jawan Davis 18 pts, Aladji Bobo Magassa 10 pts & 12 rebounds, Ibnomer Hamed 10 pts
