JEDDAH, 16 May 2007 — Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad finished top of their group with a 93-63 victory over Al-Seeb from Oman while Al-Jazirah of Egypt won a knockout battle with Iraq’s Al-Hela for the last qualifying spot from the Third Group yesterday in the ART sponsored 20th Arab Basketball Confederation Championship at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium here.
The eight quarterfinalists, two from each of the four groups, were spread out in two groups of four teams each with the top two from each group after a round robin to advance into the semifinals. The quarterfinals start today with a four-game schedule.
Oman finished the first quarter ahead by one 23 to 22. Oman quickly ran out of steam and the momentum shifted to Ittihad, who won all three preliminary games. Ittihad started hitting from outside, then went inside and ended the half up 51 -37. The starters took a rest and the bench took over. Calvin Warner scored his 23 points in the first half and Tony Madison hit his 19 in playing only 25 minutes.
For Al-Seeb Jon Ajak hit 30 points.
The first game on the last day of the preliminary round saw Al-Riadi from Lebanon breeze past UAE’s Sharjah 107-92. Lebanon had six players in double figures, Ace Custas 25, Ismail Ahmed 22,
Joe Vogel 21, Alvin Sims 17 to name a few. Most agree that Lebanon has the strongest team in the competition. UAE played well in the second half matching baskets but could not pull even. Andre Pitts poured in 29 points and Markus Brown 25 for UAE. Lebanon had 60% field goal against 48 % for UAE.
Games today (Quarterfinals)2 p.m. - Al-Jazirah (Egypt) vs. Al-Riadi (Lebanon); 4 p.m. - Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) vs. Sharjah (UAE); 6 p.m. - Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) vs. Raja’a (Morocco); 8 p.m.- Kuwait (Kuwait) vs. Al-Arabi (Qatar)
