UAE / JOR - Wasl rally storms Zain

KUWAIT (FIBA Asia Champions Cup) - A 21-5 run in the final four minutes of the game helped Al Wasl power past Zain in the second quarterfinals of 19th FIBA Asia Champions Cup on Friday. Wasl, who trailed 35-42 at half-time, went on to win 84-75.

Zain had the advantages 22-17 and 20-18 in the first two quarters, but the difference Wasl built the in the third (26-14) and fourth (27-15) proved decisive.

Leading 70-63 with about four minutes left in the game, having weathered Wasl's initial rally, Zain coach Mazen Trakh opted for a time-out, considered as a move by the discerning at the Al Qadsia Sporting Club as suicidal.

For Wasl, who looked browbeaten going into the time out - with the way Zain bounced back - now began to play with a lot more self assurance.

Coach Abdul Hameed Ibrahim reinstated Courtney Fields, who had been pulled out facing foul trouble and the American import came good. Not that he had not played his part earlier in the game - his 22 points and eight rebounds adding value to his presence. But his return in the fourth quarter provided all that needed support Herve Lamizana had been looking for in rallying his team.

Lamizana scored as many points as Fields, but was a strong force in defense with a championship high of 17 rebounds - 12 in defense.

"I think I owe it to my players' temperament," Ibrahim said. "In such games, it's always the team that shows more spirit that will win. My boys just did that today. They showed great character," he said.

Zain began well, grew in confidence before making the error in judgment of calling for a time when the roll of the ball favored them.

Zaid Abbas and Boney Watson were at the best of their form in the championship and Hilam Fuller made himself useful, till was fouled out in the fourth quarter. Watson top scored the game with 25 points, along with six defensive rebounds, four steals and five assists. Abbas returned 20 points and 10 defensive rebounds. All their efforts failed to conquer Wasl's fightback. Whether their own time out opened the gateway is something they will ponder about well into the night!

Scores

Al Wasl, UAE 84 (Herve Lamizana 22, Courtney Fields 22, Ayoub Albaloushi 13) bt Zain, Jordan 75 (Boney Watson 25, Zaid Abbas 20, Hilam Fuller 15).

Quarter Scores: 17-22, 35-42, 59-58.

S Mageshwaran
FIBA Asia