Al Sadd retains Gulf Club Championships

Qatari club Al Sadd Sports Club Doha retained the crown and took back to back titles in the GCC Club Championship after a 79-70 victory over the UAE’s Al Wasl Dubai. The club retained the Gulf Club Championships in the final in Doha after last year’s success to claim its second overall title.

Al Sadd looked to be in control for much of the contest and the Qatari team had secured a 21-11 lead after a strong first quarter. With the lead already in double digits the Al Wasl players tried to respond in the second frame but the Al Sadd players stayed solid at the back and consistent in attack. With the halftime buzzer sounding, the eventual champions held a decent 37-28 lead. Sadd had dictated much of the game and never looked like relinquishing the lead, and after 30 minutes of play the scoreboard read 50-42. The final stanza proved to be a formality as Al Sadd claimed the Gulf Club Championships for the second season.

Manny Adako was outstanding for the winners as he shot 21 points and claimed 9 rebounds. Saeed Erfan Ali followed Adako with 19 points, while Khalid Suliman took 17.

Mario Kasun was sensational for As Wasl despite the loss as he picked up 29 points and 16 rebounds. Another double-double performance from the losers saw Radhouane Slimane take 16 points and 10 boards.