Manama complete comeback, eliminate Kazma to set up Semi-Finals duel with Al Hilal

 MANAMA (Bahrain) - Heroes were aplenty as Manama showed Kazma the door, 82-79, to reach the WASL-Gulf League Semi-Finals, Monday night at the BBA Arena.

Ahmed Haji calmly drained his free throws with five seconds left to play, making sure to preserve the efforts of Lamont Jones and Elijah Robinson in restoring order for the home team after the opposition led briefly after being down by as much as 18.

With yet another solid display of steely resolve, the Bahraini club completed the comeback from a 1-0 deficit in the best-of-3 series.

Now they reap the benefits of their hard work, setting up a date with Al Hilal in the semis. Game 1 of the race-to-2 affair will be next Monday in Riyadh.

Game heroes: Jones paced Manama with 32 points, 10 of which he made in the fourth quarter alone, alongside 5 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, and a block.

Travin Thibodeaux flirted with a double-double with 12 points and 9 rebounds, while Haji finished with 10 markers and three boards.

Robinson chimed in 8 points, including 7 in the final period.

STEP AHEAD Player of the Game: Jones deservingly earned STEP AHEAD Player of the Game honors as he got 35-percent of the fan votes.

Turning point: Shane Rector put Kazma ahead by three early in the final period until Jones took over, scoring nine straight to give the hosts the 71-65 lead with under five minutes remaining. They would never trail since then.

Stats don't lie: Manama shot 50-percent from the floor, including 10 triples, thanks to the way they shared the ball as the crew dished out 20 assists.

FIBA