Doha, November 3, 2026
Al Arabi strengthened its position at the top of the Men’s General Basketball League standings, while Al Gharafa maintained its pursuit of the leading teams after both sides secured victories on Tuesday evening, November 3, 2026, in Round 6 of the 2026-2027 season. Al Arabi defeated Al Shamal 93-85, while Al Gharafa overcame Al Khor 97-89 in matches played at the Qatar Basketball Federation Hall.
In the first game, Al Arabi relied on a balanced performance across all four quarters to secure the win against Al Shamal. The league leaders started strongly, dominating the opening quarter 31-18 thanks to their offensive efficiency and ability to attack the basket. Al Shamal responded in the second quarter, outscoring their opponents 26-18 to reduce the deficit to five points at halftime, with Al Arabi leading 49-44.
Al Arabi regained control in the third quarter, winning it 25-18 to restore a comfortable advantage. Al Shamal attempted a comeback in the final period and claimed the quarter 23-19, but Al Arabi’s superiority in the first and third quarters proved decisive as they held on for an eight-point victory.
Serbian center Elmedin Kikanović starred for Al Arabi, finishing as the game’s top scorer with 30 points, while also contributing 11 rebounds and two assists. Bahraini guard Mustafa Hussein Ali delivered an influential performance with 26 points and 10 assists, leading his team’s playmaking efforts.
Nedim Muslić added five points and 10 rebounds, strengthening Al Arabi’s presence in the paint.
For Al Shamal, Rashad Allen Williams and Joshua Caron Lee Hall shared team-high scoring honors with 29 points each, but their efforts were not enough to alter the outcome. Williams also recorded four assists, while Hall contributed six rebounds and three assists.
With the victory, Al Arabi improved their tally to nine points from five matches, retaining first place in the standings. Al Shamal moved to eight points and remained in second place.
In the second game, Al Gharafa defeated Al Khor 97-89 in a high-scoring contest marked by strong offensive displays from both teams. Although momentum shifted at various stages of the game, Al Gharafa proved more efficient in capitalizing on their opportunities, particularly during the third quarter, which ultimately proved decisive.
Al Gharafa made the stronger start, taking the opening quarter 29-23 before extending their advantage in the second period, which they won 18-15, to carry a 47-38 lead into halftime.
The team continued its dominance after the break, scoring 30 points in the third quarter compared to Al Khor’s 25 to further widen the gap. Al Khor attempted to rally in the final quarter, winning it 26-20, but were unable to prevent an eight-point defeat.
Gevon Joseph McCormick was the standout performer for Al Gharafa and the game’s top scorer, producing an outstanding offensive display with 43 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. He also registered the highest efficiency rating of the game with 55.
Adonis Michael Thomas added 23 points and eight rebounds, while Ziad Tamer Al Johari contributed 20 points, with the trio forming the backbone of Al Gharafa’s offense.
For Al Khor, Jackie Ray Johnson delivered an impressive performance with 38 points and eight assists, while Deng Makuach Riak recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Mohamed Ahmed Kwame added 13 points.
The victory lifted Al Gharafa to eight points from five matches, level with Al Shamal and occupying second place, while Al Khor suffered their fifth consecutive defeat and moved to five points in the standings.