KUNA photo Kuwait Club player shoots over an opponent.

DUBAI, Oct 2: Kuwait Club secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 37th Arab Basketball Championship in Dubai, running until October 6, after a hard-fought 88-83 win over the UAE’s Al-Nasr in the Round of 16.

The Round of 16 also saw Qadsia exit the tournament following a 75-70 loss to Bahrain’s Al-Manama, while Libya’s Ahli Tripoli defeated Yemen’s Shabab Hadramout 94-66, and Lebanon’s Antonine edged Syria’s Al-Fidaa Homs 98-97.

The remaining Round of 16 matches concluded late yesterday, with Kazma facing Syria’s Al-Wahda. Kuwait will take on the winner of the clash between Qatar’s Al-Rayyan and Yemen’s Al-Mina in the quarterfinals.

The game against Al-Nasr was closely contested from the start, with both teams trading points in a first quarter that ended tied 15-15. Kuwait gradually gained control in the second quarter, thanks to strong performances from Americans Jamal Jones and Charlie Moore, supported by Hamad and Mohammed Adnan, taking a 38-32 lead at halftime.

Al-Nasr fought back in the third quarter, exploiting moments of disorganization to briefly take a 57-55 lead. However, Kuwait regained composure in the final quarter, imposing its rhythm at critical moments to secure a deserved 88-83 victory.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff