FIBA WASL Season 2: Week 4 preview

BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Heavyweights take the spotlight as Manama and the debuting Al Riyadi see action in Week 4 of the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) Season 2.

Manama versus Al Shamal

December 4, 2023
BBA Arena, Manama, Bahrain
19:30 local time (GMT+3)

The reigning FIBA WASL champions are looking to keep their winning ways when they host what should be a revamped Al Shamal side on Monday at the BBA Arena.

Game time is at 19:30 local time, with Manama keen on following up their 84-76 home win over Kazma last November 20 to solidify their hold of Group B leadership in the Gulf League.

Mosti Rashed starred in that win with 29 points, while Sir'Dominic Pointer impressed in his league debut with a 20-8-6 line, and the two are once again expected to lead the Bahraini champions' charge against the visiting team from Qatar.

They will be facing a team that should parade some new faces, especially after that drastic change during their eventual 96-63 loss to Shabab Al Ahli-Dubai in Doha on November 22, where the ball club opted to relieve its head coach of his duties.

Kazma versus Shabab Al Ahli, Dubai

December 5, 2023
Shaikh Saad Alabdullah Sport Hall Complex
20:00 local time (GMT+3)

One looks to rebound, while the other aims to go back-to-back as Kazma hosts Shabab Al Ahli-Dubai on Tuesday at the Shaikh Saad Alabdullah Sport Hall Complex in Kuwait City.

Set at 20:00 local time, the game will be a rematch between Season 1 teams, with the Kuwaiti crew coming with the mental edge. It could be recalled that they were the ones who dealt the Emirati club its first loss after a 4-0 start into the inaugurals.

But it's not just about repeating over their familiar foes, as Kazma is looking to maximize home-court advantage to bounce back from that road loss to Manama.

It would be easier said than done, however, as they will be facing a Shabab Al Ahli-Dubai side that's aiming to keep their fiery form from that 33-point win over Al Shamal.

Group B (FIBA WASL-GULF)

2/12 games played

		GAMES				STREAK	GAME POINTS					POINTS
#	Team	P	W	L	%	Last 5	For	Agt	+/-	FA	AA
1	Shabab Al Ahli - Dubai	1	1	0	100		96	63	33	96	63	2
2	Manama	1	1	0	100		84	76	8	84	76	2
3	Kazma	1	0	1	0		76	84	-8	76	84	1
4	Al Shamal	1	0	1	0		63	96	-33	63	96	1

Al Wahda versus Al Riyadi

December 7, 2023
Al Fayhaa Stadium, Damascus, Syria
18:45 local time (GMT+3)

Defending FIBA WASL-West Asia League champions Al Riyadi will finally make their Season 2 debut against Al Wahda on the road at the Al Fayhaa Stadium on Thursday.

This should be an early test for the Lebanese powerhouse, as they will have to brave through potentially another record crowd in Damascus to open their title defense bid.

Over 8,500 fans filled up the venue in Al Wahda's league debut last November 23, and they were all an effective sixth man as the home team rallied back and beat Al Shorta, 74-70.

But surely, it's not lost on Jomaru Brown and the rest of the crew that they would need more than the crowd support in battling the Wael Arakji-led squad, which is motivated not only to defend the sub-zone league title but to win the whole thing.

Group B (FIBA WASL-WEST ASIA)

1/6 games played

		GAMES				STREAK	GAME POINTS					POINTS
#	Team	P	W	L	%	Last 5	For	Agt	+/-	FA	AA
1	Al Wahda SC	1	1	0	100		74	70	4	74	70	2
2	Al Shorta SC	1	0	1	0		70	74	-4	70	74	1
3	Al Riyadi	0	0	0	0		0	0	0	0	0	0

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