The Oman Basketball League 2023-24 on Friday witnessed two exhilarating matches that showcased outstanding performances and strategic play. The games, held at Al Amal Club’s Hall in the highlands of Ghala, featured Nizwa Club securing a resounding 77-44 victory over Dhofar Club. Simultaneously, Oman Club faced stiff competition from Salalah Club, ultimately emerging victorious by 66-54.
The first match unfolded as Nizwa Club showcased an impressive display of skill, securing a comprehensive win over Dhofar Club. Led by standout performances from American player Nefer McCord and Mohammed al Anqoudi, Nizwa dominated all four quarters. The dynamic duo of Ahmed al Wahibi and Ahmed Abu Hamar, along with Mohammed al Muharrami, exhibited noteworthy efforts for Dhofar.
The match started quickly, with Nizwa Club taking a five-point lead, with Mosab al Riyami contributing two points and a three-pointer from Mohammed al Anqoudi.
Dhofar responded with two points from Mohammed al Muharrami. Nizwa Khamees al Mar next netted a three-pointer. The excitement continued with mutual attacks, during which Dhofar's Ahmed Abu Hamar scored a point from a mistake, and Nizwa's Nefer McCord scored four points after two successful shots from under the basket. Nizwa led 12-5.
Nizwa continued their offensive dominance, and Mohammed al Anqoudi added five points, three of which came from a three-pointer. Dhofar's Mohammed al Muharrami responded with two points from a mistake, but Nizwa's Mohammed al Anqoudi scored a three-pointer to make it 20-7. The excitement continued with more attacks, during which Nizwa added three points, while Dhofar added four points, ending the first quarter with Nizwa leading Dhofar 23-11.
In the second quarter, Nizwa continued dominance, with Basel al Sabahi and Nefer McCord leading the charge. Nizwa added 20 points to their tally, while Dhofar struggled to match their intensity and added only 13 points, resulting in a half-time score of 43-24 in favour of Nizwa.
In the third quarter, Nizwa maintained their superiority in both defence and offence. The team managed to add 18 points, while Dhofar could only score eight points. The third quarter ended with Nizwa leading Dhofar 61-32.
In the fourth quarter, Nizwa continued their scoring lead despite Dhofar's improvement in defence and offence. Nizwa's quick response kept the lead in their favour, adding 16 points, while Dhofar added 12 points. The match ended with Nizwa winning with a score of 77-44.
Oman Club Prevail
In the second match, Oman Club won a tough match against Salalah 66-54. The performance was uneven, with Oman Club excelling in the first, second and fourth quarters, while Salalah Club performed better in the third quarter. However, the point difference in the other quarters allowed Oman Club to secure the victory.
The match started with Oman Club, taking a three-point lead with two points from Haitham Bani Araba and one point from Hussein al Kindi. Salalah narrowed the gap with a basket from Qaisar al Balushi. Oman Club extended their lead with two points from Hussein al Kindi. Salalah responded with two points from Mohammed al Hooti. The excitement continued with more attacks, with Oman Club adding 11 points and Salalah adding four points, ending the first quarter with Oman Club leading Salalah 16-8.
In the second quarter, both teams were active offensively, and the scoring rates increased. Oman Club initiated by scoring a three-pointer from Musab al Wahibi and his teammate Abdullah al Ghasani added two points. Salalah responded with two points from Qaisar al Balushi and a three-pointer from Faisal Abdul Nabi. The excitement continued with more attacks, with Oman Club adding 20 points and Salalah adding 11 points. The first half ended with Oman Club leading Salalah 41-24.
In the third quarter, Salalah took control of the offensive and defensive aspects. They capitalised on most of the opportunities while Oman Club struggled to score, adding only five points. The third quarter ended with Oman Club still leading Salalah 46-41.
In the fourth quarter, Oman regained their advantage. Oman scored 20 points, while Salalah added 13 points. The match ended with Oman Club winning with a score of 66-54.
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