MUSCAT: Seeb Club were crowned champions of the 16th edition of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Basketball Shield for the 2025–26 season after defeating Al Bashayer 75–66 in the final. Al Bashayer finished runners-up, while Nizwa secured third place following a 70–39 victory over Masirah in the third-place play-off.
The final was held at the sub-hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher under the auspices of Hisham al Sinani, Director-General of Sports Care and Development, in the presence of AAbu Bakr bin Ahmed al Jahwari, Vice-Chairman of Oman Basketball Association (OBA).
The match was intense from the outset, with Seeb asserting early dominance in the first quarter through the movement of Rasheed al Zahaibi and the sharp finishing of Abdulrahman al Shaibi, who scored crucial points, in addition to a three-pointer from Mazen al Hadidi, giving Seeb a 22–11 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Seeb maintained their advantage in the second quarter, with continued contributions from Al Shaibi and a three-pointer by Hassan al Farraji, to head into half-time leading 36–27 despite efforts from Ibrahim Thomas and his team-mates to narrow the gap.
In the third quarter, Al Bashayer mounted a strong comeback, cutting the deficit to just two points through baskets by Hadeed Bait Bakhit, Ibrahim Thomas, Osama al Riyami and Bassam al Busaidy to make it 50–48. However, Seeb regained composure and closed the quarter ahead 55–51.
AL BASHAYER FIGHT BACK
The final quarter reached peak drama as Al Bashayer equalised at 55–55 through Abdulredha al Battashi and Bassam al Busaidy. The teams exchanged the lead, with Al Bashayer moving ahead for the first time after a three-pointer from Dmonta Harris made it 63–61. Nevertheless, Seeb’s experience proved decisive.
Jawad Adekoya scored vital points, while Marwan al Hadidi added a crucial three-pointer alongside a key basket from Rasheed al Zahaibi, sealing a 75–66 victory and the title.
Hisham al Sinani said the final was tight, with Seeb’s experience deciding key moments despite Al Bashayer briefly leading.
TECHNICAL QUALITY
Al Jahwari praised the final’s high technical quality, noting the tournament’s success was clear in performance, attendance and organisation. He said the close gap between Seeb and Al Bashayer shows rising competition that benefits the national team.
He added that using neutral Gulf referees boosts fairness and revealed the OBA will launch its first Sports Preparation Centres League with six centres to widen competition and discover new talent.
Rasheed al Zahaibi said Seeb used the league setback as motivation and responded by winning the Ministry Shield.
Said al Saadi said Al Bashayer accepted the loss in good spirit, stressing their season was still successful after winning the league, while Seeb’s focus proved decisive in the final.
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