Doha – November 6, 2025:
The excitement in the 2025-2026 Qatar Men’s Basketball League intensified during Round 5, as Al Shamal and Al Ahli clinched crucial wins against Al Sadd and Qatar SC, respectively, in Thursday evening’s doubleheader at Al Gharafa Hall.
In the opener, Al Shamal earned a deserved 82-72 triumph over Al Sadd by a 10-point margin in a hard-fought contest where control shifted between the sides before Al Shamal sealed the deal in the decisive periods through superior team play and sharp defensive focus.
Al Shamal started strongly, claiming the first quarter 19-14 and extending the lead in the second 19-15 to enter halftime comfortably ahead. Al Sadd mounted a third-quarter push to outscore their opponents 19-18, but Al Shamal regained command in the fourth, winning it 26-24 to secure the two valuable points.
Standouts included Al Sadd’s Steven Bernard Leonard Green and Al Shamal’s Shane Legend Rector, each pouring in 22 points to lead their teams.
The victory propels Al Shamal to the league summit with 8 points, level with third-placed Al Sadd, who suffered their second loss of the season. Al Rayyan sits second with the same tally from four games.
In the nightcap, Al Ahli delivered a dominant performance, routing Qatar SC 114-83 in a game marked by the hosts’ collective brilliance and fast-paced offensive execution from the outset.
Al Ahli dominated the first quarter 32-22, while Qatar SC showed brief resilience in the second 24-23. Al Ahli then pulled away decisively in the third 28-15 and closed out strongly in the fourth 31-22, finishing with a commanding 31-point margin.
Qatar SC’s Joshua Morris Nicholas and Al Ahli’s Nigel Armoni Johnson each tallied a game-high 34 points, emerging as the top scorers.
Al Ahli’s win boosts their total to 7 points, tying them with Al Wakrah, while Qatar SC languish on 5 points after five straight defeats, still searching for their first victory.
Round 5 concludes on Saturday, November 8, with a highly anticipated showdown between Al Arabi and Al Gharafa at 6:00 p.m. at Al Gharafa Hall. Al Wakrah has a bye this round.
