MADINAH, 23 March 2008 — Local favorites Al-Ansar walked away with the AlJawal championship trophy after thumping visitors Al-Ittihad of Jeddah 85-78 in a high-octane final before a packed crowd on Friday night.
The first quarter ended with Ansar leading 21-23. Ittihad’s defense kept them in the game against a taller and stronger Ansar.
At halftime, Ansar built the lead up to 44 over Ittihad’s 38. Ittihad’s big man got into foul trouble and sat out part of the third period, which ended with Ansar leading by nine over Ittihad (63 to 54). Fourth quarter action had Ittihad coming within three points of Ansar five times. They missed too many foul shots to jump to the lead.
In the last minute-and-a-half Ittihad’s Mahmood Abdul Rauf hit seven points, a three and two quick lay-ups to bring them within one point of Ansar. A technical foul called against Ittihad’s coach opened the door for Ansar to go up again. Ittihad missed five of its last eight foul shots and time ran out with Ansar winning by seven points.
Ansar’s import player Suliman Aw hit 27 points. Bubaka Camara had 19 points, Ayman Bilal hit 14, Hashim Fathawi 11. For Ittihad Mahmood Abdul Rauf hit 23 points and 9 assists. Jay Ward hit 23 points Adle Al Johani had 11.
First game action on Friday, Ohud the tournament’s second place team beat Ahli 94-82. Ohud took charge from the start of the game. By halftime Ohud lead by 13 points 47-34. They coasted to the victory by outscoring Ahli 94-82.
