Nizwa stay top as Seeb climb second in Basketball Centres League

MUSCAT: Nizwa continued their strong run in the Athletes’ Development Centres Basketball League after pulling off a spirited comeback win over Al Amerat 50-40, while Seeb secured a solid 66-54 victory against Salalah at the sub-hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat.
The latest results kept Nizwa at the top of the standings with six points, while Seeb moved into second place with five points. Al Amerat reached four points, while Salalah remained on three points.
In the opening match, Nizwa produced one of the strongest second-half responses of the competition to overcome Al Amerat. The match began in favour of Al Amerat, who looked sharper in transition and more composed in finishing their attacks. They ended the first quarter ahead 10-6 before stretching their lead in the second period, scoring 16 points against Nizwa’s nine to take a 26-15 advantage into half-time.

Nizwa, however, returned with greater defensive discipline after the break. Their zone defence reduced Al Amerat’s scoring options and allowed them to close the gap gradually. Nizwa scored 13 points in the third quarter while limiting Al Amerat to only five, although Al Amerat still led 37-28 at the end of the period.
The final quarter changed the complexion of the game completely. Nizwa increased their intensity at both ends of the court, forced mistakes and converted their chances with confidence. They scored 22 points in the last quarter while holding Al Amerat to nine, completing the turnaround and sealing a valuable 50-40 win.
Raid al Busaidy led Nizwa’s scoring with 24 points, while Hamza al Sabri added 18 and Ammar Ambosaidi contributed six. For Al Amerat, Abdulrahman Shamis scored 10 points, while Mulham al Owaisi and Nawar al Bahlawi added six points each.

SEEB SECURE WIN
In the second match, Seeb delivered a composed performance to defeat Salalah 66-54. Seeb controlled most of the contest, particularly during the first half, where their defensive organisation and accurate shooting helped them build a decisive lead.
Seeb ended the first quarter ahead 16-11 before producing their best spell in the second quarter, scoring 21 points and restricting Salalah to only five. That strong period gave Seeb a 37-16 half-time lead and placed them firmly in control.
Salalah improved after the break, with Fahad Majid leading their scoring effort. They won the third quarter offensively, scoring 18 points to Seeb’s 12, but Seeb remained ahead 49-34 heading into the final period. Salalah continued to push in the last quarter and added 20 points, but Seeb’s earlier advantage proved enough to secure the win.

Al Farooq al Hasani was Seeb’s top scorer with 19 points, followed by Ahmed al Maskari with 16 and Saif al Mughairi with 14, while Sam al Balushi added seven. For Salalah, Fahad Majid produced an impressive individual display with 30 points, while Mohammed al Ghafri scored nine and Salim al Dhahab added eight.