JEDDAH, 11 March 2007 — American center Steven Howard scored 36 points as Al-Hilal handed Al-Ahli their fourth loss, 83-81, in the Al-Jawal-sponsored Saudi Basketball League on Thursday night at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium.
The resurgent Hilal dominated the court until the fourth period leading by 14 points and on many occasions had the crowd to their feet with displays of some quick baskets and dunking shots.
Ahli did not play well in the initial phase as things were not going their way. But they managed to refind their touch, and stood solidly in the last quarter of the game to press Hilal. Ahli looked to have the match under their control, but Hilal’s Howard made the difference and took the game away. Without a big man in the middle, facing a team with a real center killed Ahli’s hope.
In the second game, Al-Ittihad, backed by cheering bench players including Ali Al-Maghrabi — who is still on the injured list, outplayed Nasr 80-67.
Tony Madison and Priest Lauderdale sparked crucial rallies with consecutive 15 points in the first half that helped Ittihad intensify their pressure.
In the second half, the strong bench gave the Ittihad starters some rest. Jabber Al-Sharani hit four out of five 3-pointers. Nasr’s Ron Christy had a bad night missing 15 shots and managed to score only 20 points.
In Friday’s game, Ittihad trampled Hilal 103-56, while Ahli crashed to Nasr 83-60.
Ittihad are in the first place with 13 wins followed by Al-Ansar, who are at second place with 11 wins and 1 loss. Ahli are third and Ohud fourth having lost four games each. Hilal are at fifth followed by Al-Qadisiya, Al-Wehda, Al-Nahda, Masera and Nasr.
