BRN – Hala stun Manama; Muharraq down Issa

MANAMA (Bahrain Premier League) - Last place Al Hala pulled a rabbit out of the hat by beating fancied Al Manama 97-87 as the action resumed for the second phase of the Zain Bahrain Premier League.

American forward Patrick Simpson was the hero, scoring 31 points. He was well seconded by seasoned campaigner Ahmed Malallah, who added 23 points.

Ahmed Al Mutawa, who played a stellar role in steering Manama to Bahrain Cup victory earlier this month, came up just shy of a triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight stelas. Mohammed Hassan added 17 points and American Darius Rice chipped in with 14 points and 11 boards.

Elsewhere, Al Muharraq defeated Issa Town 87-78 to move up to the top of the standings and share the top position with Al Manama.

Former LA Clippers forward Lamond Murray and Ahmed Al Durazi had 19 points each for Guillermo Vecchio’s team.

Boris Siakam’s game-high 27 points for Issa Town went in vain.

Bahrain Premier League Standings
1. Muharraq 8-2
2. Al Manama 8-2
3. Al Ahli 7-2
4. Nuwaidrat 6-4
5. Sitra 6-4
6. Issa Town 5-5
7. Al Ittihad 4-5
8. Al Hala 3-7

FIBA Asia