JEDDAH, 1 April 2006 — The Saudi Basketball Federation playoffs started Thursday night at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium here. Al-Qadisiya had a fast start and opened a 14-5 lead over Ittihad in the first 4 minutes of play for an 87-81 victory.
After a timeout Ittihad struggled to gain ground and settle down finishing the quarter down by five 25-20. Ittihad went to their power game feeding Steven Howard and Ali Mughrabi down low. Michael Sanders drove to the basket a few times and hit a three putting Ittihad ahead 42 -38 at halftime. Mughrabi, Howard, and Sanders ended the half with 9 points each.
At halftime, the championship trophy was awarded to Ittihad for winning the regular season tournament. The players from the top three teams also received their awards. Coach Ali Sanhani from Qadisiya controlled his players and had them score from outside then inside regaining the lead by the end of the third period 66-61. Qadisiya’s Courtney Fields had a solid game scoring 19 in the match. Greg Gray poured in 20 including two three-pointers down the stretch halting Ittihad’s comeback chances.
Ahmed Samenta had 14 points, and all three rebounded well keeping the game out of reach. Qadisiya’s players were faster and had a better shooting night to defeat Ittihad.
Steven Howard, and Ali Mughrabi each scored 21 for Ittihad, while Adel Johani added 14. Al-Ahli blasted Al-Hilal in the second game 84-56. Damon Forney scored 12 points in the first period putting Ahli up 19-12. By halftime the score was 40-20. Bobby Madison and Damon Forney both finished with 22 points. Most of Ahli’s bench players got a chance to play and did well finishing Hilal off.
Saturday’s games pit Ittihad against Ohod and Ansar against Ahli.
