BEIRUT (Lebanon) - It couldn't get any more crucial than this.
All four teams in Group B of the 2025-26 FIBA WASL-Gulf League competitions are out to make a strong case for the highly coveted no. 1 spot as the action-packed Group Phase heads into its final stretch this week.
Presently, Al Ula and Kuwait Club occupy the top two in the standings with identical 3-2 records, although the Saudi Basketball League outfit have the advantage after beating the latter just last week via a big margin.
Wael Arakji & Co. flat-out dominated the two-time Sub-Zone League winners in Medina with an 88-58 rout in a vengeful performance after losing in their first encounter in Kuwait City by way of a 103-98 decision.
And for sure, they would want to secure their current place by emulating such a stupendous, defensive-driven performance when they take on Al Arabi SC on Tuesday night at home as well, at 20:00 local time.
The Arabian Leopards have previously beaten the Red Devils in convincing fashion, 87-70, and so the mental edge is on them which they will try to maximize as much as they can in pursuit of their one true goal.
But of course, they're also hoping for other scenarios to materialize to completely secure the top seed, particularly a loss by Kuwait Club to Sharjah SC when they go face-to-face on Tuesday as well at 18:00 Dubai time.
Similar to Al Ula's case, the Kuwaitis also have the advantage against their upcoming foes, having beaten the reigning UAE League Basketball champions, 115-81, in their clash last November in their turf.
However, both Ula and Kuwait Club know that winning again versus their respective opponents would be easier said than done, given that they're also coming into the week motivated to advance to the Final Phase.
As it stands, both Al Arabi and Sharjah are toting identical 2-3 slates, but the defending Qatari Basketball League champs have the inside track of finishing at no. 3 after reigning triumphant in their match last week, 82-67.
For those uninitiated, the top team of each group will advance to the Semi-Finals outright while teams finishing second and third will compete in the Qualification to Semi-Finals. Those finishing at no. 4 are, well, out.
That's why given what's on the line, expect all four ball clubs to slug it out all the way to the end, as each of them would want to keep the dream alive in the pan-regional competition owned and operated by FIBA.
But not to be overshadowed is Group A, which could get as interesting especially between the middle teams.
The pool's ensemble for the Final Phase has already been finalized following Shabab Al Ahli's 84-83 win over Muharraq Club, which saw Deshawndre Washington knock down another game-winner to lift his side.
That thriller of a result enabled Ittihad Club (4-1) to annex the no. 1 seed, with the aforementioned two assured of spots in the Qualification to Semi-Finals. Kazma, on the other hand, have been kicked out of contention.
But what many are eager to find out, really, is who will finish second and third in the group.
Shabab Al Ahli are currently at no. 2 with a 3-2 record, while Muharraq are sitting behind owning a 2-3 slate. And their upcoming bouts could spell whether or not they'd remain where they are entering the next round.
The UAE powerhouse will open Monday's double-header offering against Kazma in their own stomping grounds at 18:00 local time, while the Red Wolves are bound to face Ittihad at 20:00 Jeddah time.
FIBA