MADINAH, 29 January 2007 — Ansar paraded their new player, American Jihad Mohammed, who made an immediate impact and was chiefly the reason Ansar stayed with Al-Ittihad for much of the game before the visitors narrowly escaped with an 86-82 win Thursday night in the Saudi Basketball League here.
In the battle of the unbeatens, Ansar led most of the first half and had a four-point lead at halftime. Ittihad’s veterans took over in the second half. They played great defense and their shooting won them the game.
Ansar came within 3 points in the last quarter more than once. Ittihad’s three-point shooting guards made the difference in the thrilling contest.
Jihad, Ansar’s new point guard finished the game with 28 points and 10 assists moving Ansar to the basket with ease. Suliman Kamara, Ansar’s center, added 18 points in the paint.
Ittihad’s Adle Al Johani was Ittihad’s high man with 23 points.
In the second game, Al-Ahli blasted Ohud 90-57. Ahli’s inside game overpowered Ohud repeatedly. Ali’s defense forced turnovers as the team glided to the victory. High scorers for the game were Damon Forney 23 points for Ahli, and Al Shed for Ohud had 18. The top four teams Ittihad, Ansar, Ahli and Ohud always entertain the fans.
Friday’s games showed Ansar is the team to watch for Ansar’s only loss was to Ittihad beating Ahli 83-73 in the first game. At halftime Ansar led by 48-29 with Mohammed leading the charge with 14 points in the period. Yasser Mukthar picked up 5 fouls in the first half and Ahli had to finish the game without him. Yasser had 16 points when he left the game. Mohammed scored 20 points and had 9 assists in another starring role for Ansar who received 17 points from Ahmed Essa and 13 from Kamara 13. For Ahli Damon Forney had 24 points and Jerrod Bledsoe 22.
In the final game of the night, Ittihad brought down Ohud 86-75. The game was tight with lead changes every minute. The score was 21-21 at the end of the first quarter. The first half was a three-point shootout and ended with Ohud on top 42-40. Ohud’s new guard Anwar Coleman had 17 points at halftime.
Ittihad’s coach Ricardo Maffie made adjustments on defense and it seemed that Anwar Coleman never touched the ball for the rest of the night. Al-Johani was high man for Ittihad with 25 points. Tony Madison had 17, Ali Mugraby 16, and Priest 15. For Ohud, Aseed Loca had 20 points, Colman 17, and Abdul Mosen 16.
