QAT – Gharafa reach Emir Cup semis, assured of topping Group

DOHA (QBF Emir Cup) - Defending champions Al Gharafa defeated Al Jeysh Army 78-68 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals of the 2011 QBF Emir Cup and assure themselves of topping Group 1.

The day's other big game saw 2011 QBF league champions Al Rayyan, who lost to Gharafa in their opening game, bounced back into the reckoning by beating Qatar Club 85-66.

All teams have one game each in hand and the winners between Rayyan and Gharafa on Monday will decide who joins Gharafa from Group 1 in the semi-finals.

Gharafa play Qatar Club in the day's other game, but even a defeat will keep them on top of the Group by virtue of their wins against both Army and Rayyan.

Leslie leads Rayyan

Chauncey Leslie (pictured) hit four of seven three-pointers on his way to a game-high 26 points to lead Rayyan’s charge.

Rayyan, who never trailed, took charge of the proceedings by racing out to a 10-3 lead in the first five minutes and never looked back.

Terrence Leather had 20 points and nine rebounds.

Gaston Moliva’s 19 points was the highest for Qatar. Oumar Seck added 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Watson, McLean shine for Gharafa

Like Rayyan, Gharafa never trailed in their game against Army.

Americans Boney Watson and Alexander McLean continued their splendid show as Gharafa led by as many as 28 points early in the second half before settling for a 10-point win.

McLean scored a game-high 24 points and had nine rebounds and four assists.

Watson dished out nine assists and collected seven boardsto go with his 22 points.

Omar Abd had a game-high 14 rebounds and 15 points.

Sheikh Ahmed’s 18 points was the highest for Army.

Emir Cup standings

Group 1
Al Gharafa 2-0   
Al Rayyan 1-1
Al Jeysh Army 1-1
Qatar Club 0-2

Group 2
Al Ahli 2-0
Al Arabi 2-0
Al Wakrah 0-2
Al Sadd 0-2

FIBA Asia