MADINAH, 18 November 2006 — Al-Ittihad won the Saudi Basketball Federation’s Al Jawal Championship on Prince Faisal Cup for the 12th time, beating Al-Ansar 70-63 in the final at the Prince Mohammad ibn Abdul Aziz Sports City Stadium here last night.
Ali Mugraby scored 25 points, hauled down 15 rebounds and made 4 blocked shots, while Adel Aljohani added 14 points and Jaber Al-Kaby 12 as the Jeddah-based ballclub outplayed the home team in the championship game.
Ittihad and Ansar set up their final clash by beating Al-Ahli 72-54 and Ohud 69-60 in Thursday’s final four games.
Abdulkarim Al-Hunaini, deputy governor of Madinah, presented the cup to Ittihad captain Aljohani during the awards ceremony after the game. Prince Talal ibn Badr, president of Saudi Basketball Federation (SBF), attended the ceremony.
Brothers Ahmed and Bayhake Issa each shot 13 points to lead Ansar.
Mugraby played smart basketball all evening for Ittihad who dominated right from the start. Twice Ansar came to within four points at 47-43 and 62-58 on consecutive three-point baskets by Bayhake.
But two free throws and a driving layup by Mugraby took the pressure off Ittihad, 66-58, time down to 1:27.
On Thursday, it was Al-Kaby who sizzled on the floor with 27 points and 7 rebounds for Ittihad, who received 14 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists from Mugraby.
