MUSCAT: Oman Club clinched a thrilling 47-45 victory against Ahli Sidab in the first round of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth Shield for the 2023-24 basketball season at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
The match showcased a thrilling battle with both teams displaying strength and determination throughout the four quarters. Exciting moments of tied scores built up the suspense until Oman Club secured the win in the final moments.
The first quarter started with quick attacks from Oman Club, and their players managed to assert dominance in the first 5 minutes, scoring 8 points through shots by Hussain al Kindi for two points, a three-pointer by Bassam al Musalmi, and three points by Haitham Bani Araba. Ahli Sidab then narrowed the gap by scoring two points through Sami al Ghilani. The excitement continued with both teams scoring points, especially Oman Club, who maintained the lead to end the first quarter with a score of 14-9 in favour of Oman Club.
In the second quarter, the game continued with back-and-forth attacks, during which Oman Club scored 6 consecutive points through Omar al Hasani and Bassam al Musalmi taking a 20-9 advantage. The attacks continued from both teams, with Oman Club scoring 5 points, while Ahli Sidab scored 9 points. The first half ended with Oman Club leading 25-18.
In the third quarter, the game strategy shifted, and Ahli Sidab took control by scoring 4 points, including a three-pointer by Hameer al Hasani and a point from free throw by his teammate Sami al Hasani. Ahli Sidab managed to overturn the score in their favour at the end of the third quarter, leading 31-30.
In the final quarter, Ahli Sidab continued to score points and reinforced their lead with 4 points, bringing the score to 45-41. However, Oman Club, with successful shots from Madh al Busaidi, Omar al Hasani and Bassam al Musalmi managed to equalise the score at 45-45. In the last 6 seconds, Oman Club's Abdullah al Qasimi netted two points, securing a thrilling victory with a final score of 47-45 against Ahli Sidab.
The match was officiated by international referees Rashid al Mashifari as the first referee, Ahmed al Khasaibi as the second referee and Wafa al Sumairi as the third referee. The table officials were Jumaa al Hanai, Yaqoob al Nadabi and Majid al Akhzami.
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