DOHA: Al Shamal moved to the top of the Qatar Men’s Basketball League standings after cruising to a 92-55 victory over Al Khor in the opening match of the fifth round at Al Gharafa Sports Club on Thursday.
Defending champions Al Arabi also registered an emphatic victory, defeating Al Wakrah 111-79 in the day’s other encounter.
Al Shamal dominated their contest from the opening quarter, establishing a 28-15 lead before extending their advantage to 52-27 at halftime.
They maintained control after the break, winning the third quarter 23-15 and the fourth 17-13 to complete a convincing 37-point victory.
The result lifted Al Shamal to seven points from four matches, giving them sole possession of first place, one point ahead of Al Sadd and Al Wakrah.
Al Khor remained on four points, level with Al Ahli.
Meanwhile, Al Arabi produced an impressive attacking display against Al Wakrah, racing to a 35-18 lead in the opening quarter.
The defending champions maintained their advantage throughout the remaining periods, winning them 24-21, 27-21 and 25-19 to seal a comfortable 32-point victory.
Al Arabi moved to five points from three matches, while Al Wakrah have six points from four games.
The fifth round concludes on Saturday at Al Gharafa Sports Club, with Al Ahli facing Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa taking on Qatar SC.
Al Sadd have a bye in this round.
