Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Rayyan experienced their first defeat of the 2024-2025 Qatar Basketball League season, falling to the reigning champions, Al Arabi 79-78 in the 8th round of the First Division at the QBF Indoor Hall on Wednesday.
Al Arabi began strongly, leading 23-21 in the first quarter. However, Al Rayyan responded in the second quarter winning it 16-12.
In the third, Al Arabi outscored Al Rayyan 23-19, which kept the contest open until the final quarter where Al Rayyan attempted a comeback, but Al Arabi ultimately secured victory with a 24-19 score.
Elmedin Kikanovic of Al Arabi delivered an outstanding performance, contributing 37 pointswhile Justin Gammel Wright Foreman stood out for Al Rayyan, scoring 29 points in a valiant effort to keep his team competitive until the final moments.
Despite the loss, Al Rayyan retained their position at the top of the league standings with 15 points, concluding the first division campaign as the leader.
Meanwhile, Al Arabi, the defending champion, climbed to second place in the league with 12 points, tied with Al Sadd, who occupies third place, both having played seven matches.
In the other game of the day, Al Ahli secured a well-deserved 90-82 victory over Al Gharafa.
Al Ahli won the first quarter (26-11), but Al Gharafa came back strongly in the second (27-15).
Al Ahli maintained their superiority in the third and fourth periods (24-22) and (25-22).
Al Ahli have moved up to fifth place with 11 points, equal to Al Shamal, who are in fourth place with both having played 7 matches, while Al Gharafa remained in ninth and last place with 8 points, equal to Al Khor, who are in eighth place with both having played 7 matches.
Nadim Muslik top-scored for Al Gharafa scoring 30 points while Raequan Deshaun Rogers was Al Ahli’s top scorer with 23 points.
