JEDDAH, 21 March 2006 — With two games left to play Al-Ittihad have racked up 16 victories and secured first place in the Saudi Basketball Federation Tournament.
Friday night in Madinah, Ittihad defeated Al-Ansar 66-58 in a costly hard-fought victory. Ittihad’s point guard Shamgod injured his ankle early in the first period and left the game. Ansar had led by 11 points 6 minutes into the period. High intensity defense baffled Ittihad and caused 15 turnovers in the first half. Ansar led 21-19 after the first quarter.
Steven Howard took charge for Ittihad scoring 19 points in the first half giving Ittihad the edge 35-29 at the break.
Third quarter brawl got three players from Ansar ejected from the game for throwing punches and kicking. It was a small incident where Suri, Hisem, and Mustafa from Ansar went against Howard. Both benches emptied and security maintained order.
The referees took control and the game continued. Shamgod reentered the game controlling the ball doing the best he could with an ankle injury. The team pulled together and won. Steven Howard was high man with 25 points, Ali Maghrabi added 16. For Ansar Ahmad Easa pumped in 23 points.
The second game was the battle for second place between Al-Ahli and Al-Ohod. Damon Forney scored 15 points in the first quarter for Ahli giving them a 30-11 lead. Ahli were still leading at the half 40-33. Ohod bounced back in the third taking the lead 60-59.
The fourth period battle had 7 lead changes with three in the last two minutes. Bobby Madison scored twice in the last minute winning the game for Ahli 81-77. Damon Forney had 25 and Bobby Madison 21 for Ahli. Ohod’s leaders were Mohamad Musa 20 and Abdul Mosen 19.
Saturday’s action Ohod needed a win against Ittihad and got it 68 to 61 to keep pace with Ahli in the battle for second place. Ittihad’s Shamgod was sidelined with his injury and Steven Howard Had to sit out a one game suspension because of Friday’s action making Ittihad easy prey for Ohod. Ali Maghrabi had an excellent game scoring 29 for Ittihad. Abdul Mosen from Ohod matched him with 29 points of his own. Ohod was overpowering forcing Ittihad to miss many shots. Ahli defeated Al-Ansar 75-69 in the second game with Ahli’s duo of Bobby Madison and Damon Forney making 24 points and 14 rebounds and 22 points and 11 rebounds respectively. Ansar’s Kamal Falatah had 19 points and Suri added 11 in the game marked with lots of turnovers. Ahli need a win next week over Ittihad to come in second.
