Doha – January 1, 2026:
Defending champions Al Arabi climbed to the top of the standings in the General Basketball League for the 2025-2026 sports season, continuing their impressive form and securing important victories. Their latest was a deserved 91-83 win over Al Shamal in the match played on the evening of Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Al Gharafa Hall, as part of the second phase of the competition.
The encounter was intense and exciting from the start, with both teams displaying high technical levels. Al Arabi began the game with great focus, ending the first quarter ahead by one point, 22-21. In the second quarter, Al Arabi asserted dominance thanks to tight defensive organization and effective offense, achieving a clear advantage of 29-18, giving the team a significant lead heading into halftime.
In the third quarter, Al Arabi continued to strengthen their lead through strong physical performance and intense defensive pressure, finishing the period 18-16 in their favor while maintaining a comfortable advantage.
Despite Al Shamal’s attempts to regain control in the fourth quarter, which they won 28-22, the gap built by Al Arabi was sufficient to secure the victory.
Bahraini player Mustafa Hussain stood out for Al Arabi, topping the scorers with 26 points. Shane Legend Rector was Al Shamal’s standout performer with 25 points. Othman Diata Ding received the Best Qatari Player award for the match, presented by Mosafer Company, in recognition of his outstanding performance throughout the game.
With this victory, Al Arabi raised their points tally to 20 from 11 matches, taking the top spot by one point ahead of Al Rayyan, who sit second with 19 points from 10 matches. Al Shamal’s total reached 16 points from 11 matches.
In a second match, Al Wakrah secured an important victory over Al Gharafa with a score of 98-85, in a contest that featured strong fluctuations and thrilling performances from both sides.
The game began in Al Gharafa’s favor, as they dominated the first quarter and took a lead of 26-23.
The excitement continued into the second quarter, marked by fierce competition between the two teams, ending in a 19-19 tie, leaving the match wide open and thrilling heading into the second half.
At the start of the third quarter, Al Wakrah imposed clear control, achieving a large advantage of 29-13, putting them in a strong position to seal the win. In the fourth quarter, the excitement persisted as both teams tied 27-27.
Bakary Kamara shone for Al Wakrah, emerging as the star of the match with 29 points that led his team to victory. Joshua Caron Lee Hall was Al Gharafa’s top scorer with 24 points.
Gwei Momar Tala of Al Wakrah received the Best Qatari Player award for the match, worth $100 and presented by Mosafer Company.
With this win, Al Wakrah raised their tally to 17 points from 11 matches, level with Al Sadd to occupy fifth place. Al Gharafa reached 13 points from 11 matches, level with Qatar SC, placing them eighth.