ZOUK MIKAEL (Lebanon) - Al Difaa Al Jawi SC rode the hot hands of Abbas Alqarnawi to beat Amman United Club, 92-68, and notch their first win in the 2024/2025 FIBA WASL-West Asia League, Wednesday evening.
Turning the Stade Nouhad Naufal into his own playground, the 27-year-old guard submitted his best game of the tilt to date with 28 points as he led their strong finish to finally break through after losing their first five games.
Averaging just 4.4 points prior, he waxed hot from deep with an 8-of-10 clip, half of which he made in the fourth quarter alone as his outside shooting enabled the crew to wrest control of the game for good.
In the face of the Jordanians' comeback bid, Alqarnawi helped out Ali Ismael and Ramon Galloway by knocking down three consecutive triples for the decisive 14-0 run to restore order, 75-59, with 5:28 left to play.
The opposition could no longer keep up and the reigning Iraqi Basketball League champions went on to cruise to the important triumph, which kept their flickering Top Three hopes alive as they now tote a 1-5 card.
"I trained well, and I played defense more than concentrating on the points. And this was key to my success," said Alqarnawi, who shot 9-of-11 from the field and also had 3 rebounds to net an efficiency (EFF) of 30.
Ismael was important as well in the victory as the veteran forward finished with 23 points - spiked by 5 treys - and 8 rebounds, alongside 2 assists and 2 blocks in an all-around effort in nearly 40 minutes of action.
Also making his presence felt was Jordan Hamilton, who nearly registered a triple-double after tallying 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists for an EFF of 32 as the former NBA pro did not commit a single turnover.
Ramon Galloway delivered a huge double-double of 14 points and 12 assists as their hard work finally led to a W - and it came against the same team they nearly beat back in the First Round last March.
"We were close to winning in Round 1," recalled Coach Nidhal Salman, referring to the 96-87 defeat they absorbed where they clawed back from 12 down and came to within three but couldn't finish the rally.
"We studied their strengths and weaknesses ... and we surprised them," added the veteran mentor, whose side nailed 17 threes. "We lost in Round 1 by nine points, now we won by 20 points thanks to the players and staff."
With two more games left in their schedule, Al Difaa Al Jawi are hoping to sweep both of those assignments, beginning with another clash against Tabiat Basketball (3-2) on Friday at 18:45 local time.
Vladyslav Koreniuk, on the other hand, had 15 points and 12 rebounds to lead an Amman United side that missed the presence Freddy Ibrahim after the star guard got hurt in their win against Tabiat on Tuesday.
Fadi Qarmash was his lone backup with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists in the defeat that dropped their card to 2-4, making their games against Sagesse and Riyadi must-win games if they are to stay in contention.
"It's just consistent effort, that's all," offered Jonathan Arledge, when asked about what's been the issue as to why they couldn't sustain their winning ways - just like what happened back in the First Round.
"When we're able to do that, we will be able to have better results," he added. "We play well at certain moments and then we commit lapses, and we lose the lead because our effort is not there the whole game."
FIBA