DOHA: The first round of the men’s basketball league semi-final playoffs for the 2025–2026 sports season kicked off on Monday evening.
The semifinals were held at Al Gharafa Hall without spectators.
In the first match, Al Rayyan dominated most of the game against Al Ahli, successfully imposing its offensive style from the start. The four quarters ended with scores of: (25–20, 24–20, 24–11, 20–18).
The second match between Al Arabi and Al Sadd featured an intense tactical battle. Al Arabi began with a fast pace, capitalizing on the speed of its wing players and counterattacks to finish the first quarter 25–18.
In the second quarter, Al Sadd regained some control through solid defensive positioning and quick ball movement, edging the quarter 22–20 to narrow the gap.
The third quarter ended evenly (20–20), with both teams exchanging attacks and defensive pressure. Bahraini player Mustafa Hussain stood out during this period, exploiting gaps under the basket to score crucial points.
In the fourth quarter, Al Arabi sealed the game (30–18) thanks to strong defensive organization, ball control, and effective fast breaks, achieving an overall 95–78 victory. Bahraini Mustafa Hussain (“Mosti”) scored 28 points to lead all scorers, while Steven Bernard Lennard Green added 25 points for Al Sadd. Abdulrahman Saad of Al Arabi was named Best Qatari Player of the Match, receiving a $100 award from Musafir for his pivotal role in guiding his team.
The semi-finals are played in a best-of-three format, with each team needing two wins to reach the final. The second round will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, with Al Sadd facing Al Arabi at 6:00 p.m., followed by Al Ahli against Al Rayyan at 8:00 p.m.
