Muscat: Nizwa and Salalah opened their campaign in the first round of the second final stage of the Oman Youth Basketball League (Under-18) for the 2025-2026 season with important victories in matches played at the sub-hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
Nizwa defeated Seeb 66-62, while Salalah claimed an exciting 65-61 win over Al Amerat. Following these results, Salalah and Seeb are level on seven points each, while Nizwa and Al Amerat have five points apiece.
In the first match, Nizwa produced a strong display to overcome Seeb 66-62 in a contest marked by high intensity, quick tempo and constant exchanges in attack. Nizwa’s scoring was led by Akram al Rashdi, Niel al Adki, Adam al Hinai, Nasser Ambusaidi and Al Mulhim Ambusaidi, while Seeb’s main contributors were Azzan al Ajmi, Azd al Bahlani and Abdulrahman al Maamari.
The opening quarter was evenly contested, with both sides trading points in the early stages, before Nizwa gradually took control and closed the period with a 17-11 lead. Nizwa maintained their momentum in the second quarter, using their defensive organisation and efficient finishing to stretch the advantage to 29-13. Seeb, however, responded well and reduced the gap before the end of the first half, which finished with Nizwa leading 36-28.
The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with Seeb pushing to get back into the game, but Nizwa managed to hold on to their advantage and ended the period in front 52-46. The fourth quarter brought plenty of drama as Seeb cut the deficit to just one point at 59-58, but Nizwa showed composure in the closing minutes and did enough to seal a 66-62 victory.
SALALAH STAY IN CONTENTION
In the second match, Salalah came from behind to secure a thrilling 65-61 victory over Al Amerat in a closely fought encounter that remained in the balance until the closing stages. Salalah’s win was shaped by the performances of Mishal Kafkaf, Qaisar al Balushi and Mohab al Hambasi, while Al Amerat had contributions from Mazin al Owaisi, Ibrahim al Balushi and Ibrahim al Maamari.
Al Amerat made the brighter start and ended the first quarter with a narrow 12-10 lead, helped by a strong opening spell from Mazin al Owaisi and his teammates. Salalah improved noticeably in the second quarter at both ends of the floor, overturning the score after putting up 20 points compared with 16 for Al Amerat, to take a 30-28 lead into the break.
Al Amerat regained their rhythm in the third quarter and moved back in front, ending the period with a 44-40 lead after a solid all-round performance. Salalah, however, responded strongly in the final quarter, scoring 25 points against 17 for Al Amerat to complete the comeback and clinch a deserved 65-61 win.
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