Manama: Qatar’s reserve basketball team clinched their first win in the 26th Arab Nations Championship, defeating the United Arab Emirates 78-71 in a thrilling match held on Wednesday evening at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Bahrain.
The game, part of the tournament’s fourth round, showcased intense competition in the ongoing championship, which runs until August 2. The match began with both teams adopting a cautious approach, resulting in a tied first quarter (15-15).
Qatar gained momentum in the second quarter, dominating with a 27-19 scoreline, which gave them a clear edge heading into the second half. Despite a dip in performance during the third quarter, where the UAE capitalized to win the period 21-17 and narrow the gap, Qatar regained composure in the final quarter.
They secured a 19-16 victory in the period, sealing the match with a seven-point lead. Dejan Yanik emerged as Qatar’s standout player, leading the game with an impressive 33 points. The win boosts Qatar’s tally to 5 points in the standings, strengthening their position in the single-round-robin tournament featuring seven Arab national teams.