QAT / BRN - Rayyan romp ahead

KUWAIT (FIBA Asia Champions Cup) - Theirs guards coordinated with customary cohesion, the defense worked with wonted rhythm and the center played like a man possessed - former champions Al Rayyan's 95-78 win over Bahrain's Al Muharraq in the quarterfinals of the 19th FIBA Asia Champions Cup on Friday thus looked well deserved.

Rayyan looked well prepared, having utilized the three-day break to iron out any chinks in their armor, as they took to the court. As against a Muharraq side that looked merely enthusiastic and far from being efficient.

A quarterwise break-up of 23-17, 20-12, 26-22, and 26-17 in Rayyan's favor reflected the dominance enjoyed by the Qatar club.

Having striven with an inconsistent form, guard Saad Ali and center Darlon Johnson chose the big moment of the quarterfinals against the league champions of another GCC nation to strike form.

Johnson sunk 21 points, including three 3-pointers as Saad moved well in tandem with Eric Chatfield in controlling the game, besides returning 18 points. Yasseen Musa was his composed leader self, his 14 points adding value to his influential presence on the court.

"I think we are well on course for the championship," beamed Rayyan coach Brian Lester.

"I think with each game, we have improved remarkably. And today's win was another important step in that direction," the Australian said.

"Saad had a very good comeback and DJ had another improved showing. Most importantly, I was particularly happy with the way the defense worked together," he said.

Mohammed Alderazi was the most conspicuous player on the Muharraq front. The 28-year-old - along with American import Rahshun Roberts - top scored the game at 24 points, but against the well-coordinated defense of Rayyan Alderazi would have liked to be more consistent. Same was the case with Roberts. Donald Little, the other import, worked hard, but was boxed out by the rival defense time and again.

Scores

Al Rayyan, Qatar 95 (Darlon Johnson 21, Saad Ali 18, Yasseen Musa 14, Eric Chatfield 13, Omar Salem 13) bt Al Muharraq, Bahrain 78 ( Rahshun Roberts 24, Mohammed Alderazi 24, Donald Little 12).

Quarter Scores: 23-17, 43-29, 69-51.

S Mageshwaran
FIBA Asia