JEDDAH, 4 March 2006 — Al-Ittihad demolished Al-Nasr 109 -56 in the Saudi Basketball League on Thursday at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium here.
At halftime, Ittihad only led by six points 49 to 43. Nasr’s Michael Sanders had 19 points after sinking six three point shots in the half. The score reflected a close game but not so. Nasr had 21 fouls Ittihad only 9.
Ittihad’s starters were out of the game before the third period ended. The bench players finished Nasr off with fast breaks and good three-point shooting.
High man for Ittihad was Steven Howard with 22 points, for Nasr Michael Sanders with 21. Ittihad remain unbeaten in 14 games.
Second game action saw Al-Ahli Jump out to a 29-15 lead against Al-Hilal in the first period. The lead increased to 20 points by the half 58-38. Ahli finished them off 101-71. Bobby Madison and Damon Forney once again combined for more than half of Ahli’s points. Madison had 7 assist, 16 rebounds and 30 points. Forney added 8 assists 8 rebounds and 25 points.
Hilal’s Jamal Hunter took scoring honors with 34 points, and James Booyer added 23 points. Other action around the league.
Qadisiya 112 against Khalij 75, Ohod beat Wehda 84 -74. The combination of Fatha upsetting Ansar 79-62 and Ahli beating Hilal moved Ahli into second place after 14 games with only 4 games left to play in the regular season.
Only six teams advance to the playoffs.
As of Thursday the top six are Ittihad 28 points, Ahli 25, Ohod 24, Ansar 23, Qadisiya 20, and Hilal 19. The battle to qualify for the playoffs is on with Wehda and Fatha both with 17 points and five games left to play in the season.
