Al-Qadsia player is well defended by Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai players.

KUWAIT CITY, May 14: Al-Qadsiya’s basketball team is closely watching the outcome of tonight’s crucial Group B clash between Iran’s Tabiat and Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai in the West Asia Super League (WASL) Final Eight, taking place at Nouhad Noufal Sports Complex in Beirut, Lebanon.

A win for Tabiat would secure Al-Qadsiya a spot in the semifinals as the group’s runner-up behind the Iranian side. However, if Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai prevails, all three teams will be tied on points, reigniting qualification scenarios due to Al-Qadsiya’s earlier defeat to Tabiat.

If Al-Qadsiya advances as Group B’s second-placed team, they will face the winner of Group A, which includes Lebanese giants Al-Riyadi, who have already booked their place in the semifinals with two wins, alongside Al-Hikma (Lebanon), Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia), and Astana (Uzbekistan).

The championship, which features seven of Asia’s top clubs, concludes on May 18. The top two teams from each group progress to the semifinals, with the finalists earning qualification for the FIBA Asia Champions League (ACL).

In its final group-stage match, Al-Qadsiya put on a dominant display, led by captain Abdulaziz Al-Humaidi, who starred with 26 points—17 of them from beyond the arc. Cedric Henry added 17 points, while teammates Abdullah Tawfiq and Saleh Al-Youssef chipped in with 8 points each.

Head coach Javier Munoz expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating:

“I’m pleased with the win and how the players executed their roles. Now, we wait for the result of Tabiat vs. Shabab Al-Ahli. I hope we move forward and continue this journey.”

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff