Bahrain's Zain Basketball League: Al Ahli claims first league title since 2010

MANAMA (Bahrain) - Bahrain's Zain Basketball League returned to action on 3 September season to determine the 2019/2020 season champion between Al Manama, Al Riffa, Al Ahli, and Al Muharraq.

Game replays and box scores can be found on this page.

Finals Game 2 - Saturday, September 26  

Another big third quarter run helped Al Ahli clinch the Zain Basketball League title, sweeping rivals Al Manama 2-0 in the league Finals.

Manama actually started the game with a 10-0 run and  built up a lead of as much as 14 points in the first quarter. However, Al Ahli came roaring back in the second half and  exploded for  a 10-0  run of their own to reclaim the lead for good.

The "Eagles" ended up winning the game - and the championship - as the final buzzer signaled their 99-88 victory.

Brandon Brown (Al Ahli) flirted with a triple-double with 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists while also lighting it up for 5 three-pointers. Maitham Isa was also on fire as he had 19 points on 4 three-pointers for the victors as well.

With the win, Al Ahli claims their first league title since 2010.

ROUND	GAME	SCORE	VIDEO	BOX SCORE
Finals	Al Ahli vs Al Manama	99-88	VIDEO	CLICK HERE

Finals Game 1 - Wednesday, September 23  

Al Ahli ended the third quarter with big run to swing the momentum of what was a tightly contested game their way. In a nearly six-minute span, Ahli held their opponents scoreless while scoring 17 points of their own to reclaim the lead for good.

Manama had no answer for Dominique Sutton who was perfect from the 2-point range on 14 attempts and ended up with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists. and 5 steals. All five starters for Al Ahli scored in double-digits.

Maciej Lampe came off the bench for Manama to record 20 points and 15 rebounds, but it was not enough to recover from their rough third quarter.

Al Ahli are now one more win away from winning their first league title since 2010.

ROUND	GAME	SCORE	VIDEO	BOX SCORE
Finals	Al Manama vs Al Ahli	81-94	VIDEO	CLICK HERE

 Semi-Finals Game 2 - Sunday, September 6  

Muharraq's dreams of defending the league title ended in heartbreaking fashion as Mohammed Buallay's potentially game-winning three-pointer clanged off the rim. Al Ahli had 10 fourth quarter points from Brandon Brown, including the go-ahead three-pointer, to end up with a 70-69 win.

Dominique Sutton had another double-double of 28 points and 12 rebounds.

Al Riffa got a big game from Josh Boone (19 points, 21 rebounds) but it wasn't enough to get in the way of Manama returning to the Finals.  Maciej Lampe had another productive night with 21 points and 16 rebounds for the winning squad en route to their 84-74 victory.

ROUND	GAME	SCORE	VIDEO	BOX SCORE
Semi-Finals	Al Ahli vs Al Muharraq	70-69	VIDEO	CLICK HERE
Semi-Finals	Al Riffa vs Al Manama	74-84	VIDEO	CLICK HERE

Semi-Finals Game 1 - Thursday, September 3 

Al Ahli fended off an explosive 34-point game from Al Muharraq's star Ahmed Aldurazi to take the lead in the series over the defending champions. Muharraq held a 14-point lead before a 10-point run for Al Ahli turned the tides to win 76-70.

Al Ahli had four players score in double-digits, notably Dominique Sutton who had 14 points and 17 rebounds.

Manama, on the other hand, had no trouble blowing by Al Riffa in a big win, 110-73, where all twelve players scored.

Brothers Muzamil and Mohammad Ameer combined for 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in the win.

ROUND	GAME	SCORE	VIDEO	BOX SCORE
Semi-Finals	Al Muharraq vs Al Ahli	70-76	VIDEO	CLICK HERE
Semi-Finals	Al Manama vs Al Riffa	110-73	VIDEO	CLICK HERE

FIBA