MUSCAT, NOV 8
Al Bashayer Club opened its 2025–2026 General Basketball League campaign with a commanding 85–26 victory over Salalah Club in the match held yesterday evening at the secondary hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
The game was completely dominated by Al Bashayer, who imposed their rhythm on the court from the very beginning thanks to the team’s strong chemistry, disciplined defence, and swift transitions between defence and attack. With precise passing and quick collective movements, Al Bashayer managed to control the game in all four quarters. The scoring lead came from Hadeed Bait Bakhit, Ahmed al Halhuli, Noah al Mahrouqi, Abdulridha al Battashi, Al Huwari al Awaisi, and Bassam al Busaidy, whose roles alternated between scoring and playmaking. Meanwhile, Salalah’s players, led by Mishal Kafkaf and Qaiser al Balushi, tried to keep pace with the match’s intensity, but the difference in experience and fitness was evident in favour of Al Bashayer.
The match began at a fast pace with Al Bashayer taking the initiative, opening the scoring with back-to-back three-pointers from Abdulridha al Battashi and al Huwari al Awaisi to take a six-point lead. Salalah responded with two points from Qaiser al Balushi under the basket after a fine assist from Mishal Kafkaf, but Al Bashayer continued their offensive momentum to close the first quarter ahead 18–7.
In the second quarter, Al Bashayer maintained their dominance with accurate shooting from beyond the arc and solid defence, limiting Salalah to just four points while adding 16 themselves to end the first half 34–11.
The third quarter saw Al Bashayer display their best form of the game, relying on fast breaks and wing penetrations to score 28 points compared to only three for Salalah, widening the gap significantly to finish the quarter 62–14.
In the fourth quarter, Salalah attempted to improve their performance and gradually get back into the game through individual efforts, but Al Bashayer’s organised defence prevented any real comeback. The players continued scoring confidently until the final whistle, sealing a deserved victory for Al Bashayer 85–26 and proving their readiness to compete strongly this season.
The match was officiated by international referee Mazin al Hilali (first referee), international referee Wafaa al Samri (second referee), and Ali al Sulaimani (third referee), while Rayan al Dhabouni, Salma al Ghilani, and Mousa al Siyabi managed the scoring table.
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