Doha : Al Gharafa and Al Wakrah kicked off their campaigns in the 46th edition of the Men’s Basketball League for the 2026-2027 season with important victories. Al Gharafa defeated Al Ahli 76-68, while Al Wakrah overcame Al Shamal 76-62 in two matches played on Tuesday evening at the Qatar Basketball Federation Hall as part of the opening round of the competition.
With these wins, Al Gharafa and Al Wakrah each collected two points, while Al Ahli and Al Shamal earned one point apiece.
Al Gharafa secured a 76-68 victory over Al Ahli after establishing their superiority early in the game. They dominated the first quarter, winning it 23-10 thanks to a strong start and efficient offensive performance that put their opponents under pressure from the outset.
Al Ahli improved offensively in the second quarter, scoring 19 points compared to Al Gharafa’s 17. However, Al Gharafa maintained control and entered halftime with a 40-29 lead, holding an 11-point advantage.
The third quarter saw Al Ahli at their offensive best, scoring 24 points against 17 by Al Gharafa to cut the deficit to four points. Al Gharafa nevertheless remained ahead 57-53 heading into the decisive final quarter, setting up an exciting finish.
In the fourth quarter, both teams traded baskets, with Al Gharafa scoring 19 points to Al Ahli’s 15. The result allowed Al Gharafa to preserve their lead and secure a 76-68 victory, demonstrating their ability to withstand their opponents’ comeback attempts.
On the individual front, Adonis Michael Thomas led Al Gharafa with 27 points, while Javon Joseph McCormick added 25 points, grabbed a game-high 19 rebounds, and contributed six assists. Ziad Al Johari also chipped in with 13 points.
For Al Ahli, Omar Saad was the team’s top scorer with 20 points. Eisa Mohammed added 13 points and delivered a strong performance in the paint, collecting 18 rebounds, while LaTerrance Malik Javon Reid also scored 13 points.
In the second match, Al Wakrah claimed a 76-62 victory over Al Shamal after mounting a strong comeback in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, which proved to be the turning point of the contest.
Al Shamal started the game strongly and took the first quarter 19-16. They continued their momentum in the second period, scoring 18 points to Al Wakrah’s 13 to head into halftime with a commanding 37-29 lead.
Al Wakrah responded in the third quarter by improving their offensive efficiency and outscoring Al Shamal 19-14, reducing the deficit to just three points. Al Shamal nevertheless entered the final quarter ahead 51-48, leaving the outcome open.
The decisive fourth quarter belonged to Al Wakrah, who excelled at both ends of the floor and outscored Al Shamal 28-11, turning their deficit into a comfortable lead and eventually securing a 76-62 victory. Al Wakrah scored 47 points in the second half compared to Al Shamal’s 25.
Mame Ndour led Al Wakrah’s scoring with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Yousef Badr contributed 16 points and nine assists. Ola Marufu Samburi added 14 points, with the trio serving as the team’s primary offensive weapons throughout the game.
For Al Shamal, Joshua Caron Lee Hall was the standout performer with 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Rashad Allen Williams added 13 points and six assists.
The 46th edition of the Men’s Basketball League got underway last Saturday with Al Sadd defeating Qatar SC 102-65 in the opening game held at Al Gharafa Sports Club Hall.
Second-round action will continue on Thursday, October 15, with two matches. Al Ahli will face Qatar SC at 6:00 PM, while Al Wakrah will take on Al Gharafa at 8:00 PM, both at Al Gharafa Hall. Meanwhile, Al Sadd will meet Al Khor on Saturday, October 17, at 6:00 PM at the same venue.
