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Tribune News Network
DOHA
Former champions Al Gharafa Club endured some anxious moments in the third quarter before romping past Al Ahli Club 91-79 in the Qatar Basketball Federation League at their home court on Saturday.
After Al Gharafa ended the second 10-minute play, they were six points clear of the rivals (36-30). However, guard Luka Milojevic collected six points, a three-point play and a fine shot beyond the arc, to have Al Ahli up by two points (49-47).
But this stung the 2013-14 champions badly and a downtown by Malek Selem Abdulla wrested the lead for Al Gharafa. Later, they quickly forced the scoring through Abdulla and point guard James Justice Jr to end up with a seven-point advantage (62-55). They extended their run to 9-0 (65-55) before racing to the fourth victory in as many matches.
For the winners, Justice logged a match-high 30 points, forward Mychal Lemar Ammons had a fine double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds and forward Sammy Monroe Jr also did well to notch 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Al Gharafa are on the top along with Al Arabi, who also have four victories in four matches.
For Al Ahli, the best efforts came from centre Nemanja Besovic (23 points and 14 rebounds) and forward Nenand Zivcevic (22 points). Abdulrahman al Muftah (12) and Luka Milojevic (10) were other main scorers.
In another match, Baden Jaxen and Brandan Dion Kearney lifted Qatar Sports Club to their third victory in four matches as they cruised past Al Wakrah Club 97-73.
Point guard Jaxen collected 28 points along with eight rebounds and as many assists, while shooting guard Brandan Dion Kearney and power forward Nicholas Simon West excelled with a double-double each to help the winners lead by 46-33 at the halftime.
West secured 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds and Kearney followed up his 25 points with 10 rebounds. Centre Mohamed Yousuf Mohammed contributed 15 points as Qatar Sports Club stretched their lead to maximum 28 points in the fourth quarter (79-51).
For Al Wakrah, who have 2-2 win-loss record, Earnest Lee Ross Jr (27 points & 10 rebounds) and Marcus Johnson (21 points and 11 rebounds) both recorded a double-double apiece. Adamu Saaka was another impressive scorer with 20.
Kearney and Johnson netted four three-pointers each for their respective teams.
Results
Qatar Sports Club beat Al Wakrah Club 97-73 (halftime 46-33)
Main performers – Qatar Sports Club: Baden Jaxen 28 pts, Nicholas Simon West 26 pts & 13 rebounds, Brandan Dion Kearney 25 pts & 10 rebounds, Mohamed Yousuf Mohammed 15 pts
Al Warkrah Club: Earnest Lee Ross Jr 27 pts & 10 rebounds, Marcus Johnson 21 pts & 11 rebounds, Adamu Saaka 20 pts
Al Gharafa Club beat Al Ahli Club 91-79 (halftime 36-30)
Main performers – Al Gharafa Club: James Justice Jr 30 pts, Mychal Lemar Ammons 24 pts & 13 rebounds, Sammy Monroe Jr 17 pts & 11 rebounds
Al Ahli: Nemanja Besovic 23 pts & 14 rebounds, Nenand Zivcevic 22 pts, Abdulrahman al Muftah 12 pts, Luka Milojevic 10 pts
