MANAMA (Bahrain) - Deshawndre Washington once again showcased his flair for the dramatic to lift Shabab Al Ahli past Muharraq, 84-83, in the 2025-26 FIBA WASL-Gulf League, Monday night at the BBA Arena.
Undeniably his team's resident closer, the do-it-all winger knocked down the go-ahead turnaround jumper with 3.9 seconds left to help the reigning Sub-Zone League titlists complete the comeback after a tepid start.
He would go on to finish with 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists, falling just short of pulling off another triple-double performance like what he did during their first encounter back in Dubai last November 3.
But definitely, 'DWash' would rather take home the W in the bag which he successfully accomplished, adding yet another game-winner to what's becoming a season to remember for the 24-year-old reinforcement.
"He's a good player," lauded head coach Miodrag Perisic. "He must work a lot. He's a very good player, with a very good potential. He came directly to us from college and if he works even well, he can have a great career."
Big thanks to Washington, Shabab Al Ahli have not only returned to the win column after losing to budding rivals Ittihad Club the last time out, but assured themselves a spot in the Qualification to Semi-Finals as well.
They improved to 3-2 and are currently sitting at no. 2 in Group A behind the defending Saudi Basketball League champions (4-1), who have clinched the no. 1 seed in the pool following Monday night's result.
It was a well-deployed attack by the UAE League Basketball powerhouse as three others scored in double figures in the triumph, with new acquisition Bryon Allen impressing in his WASL debut with 19 points off the bench.
Dikembe Dixson delivered 18 points and 7 rebounds, while lead big man Qais Alshabebi supplied 11 points and five rebounds. Hamed Lateef and Saeed Alajmani were also key as they chipped in at least 5 points each.
Together, they were able to stop the Red Wolves' bid of winning a third straight game.
But then, it was by no means easy for the visiting side, who found themselves staring at a 21-8 deficit to open the match as the troika of Kerwin Roach Jr., Nick West, and Timmy Bond were clicking for the home team.
In fact, Shabab Al Ahli even trailed by 16 at one point, but managed to chip away the gap in the second half. And they'd catch a big break when Roach exited the game during the third due to an apparent knee injury.
Both squads would eventually go mano-a-mano especially in the fourth, and the crew from Dubai would finally taste the lead behind tough baskets courtesy of Lateef and Allen approaching crunch time.
Muharraq, however, appeared to have restored order when Bond, by his lonesome, erased a three-point deficit - highlighted by a one-handed throwdown - and turned it to an 83-82 lead entering the final two minutes.
But the night belonged to Washington, who evaded Bond's defense to call game.
"Like Coach said, he's a big-time player," said Allen. "Has a lot of potential, he's young. So as a veteran, I'm just trying to give him positive wisdom, making him stay locked in. That was an amazing shot."
West led the Zain Premier League outfit with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Roach had 22 before exiting, while Bond added 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in the stinging loss that dropped their card to 2-3.
Despite the defeat, Muharraq are confirmed to be bound for the Qualification to Semi-Finals.
FIBA