Mahram triumph in Doha! - May.
30, 2010
Final
Al Rayyan - Mahram 73:93 Mahram defended their Asia Champions Cup title. They fired past
hosting Al Rayyan in the championship clash in Doha tonight.
Samad Nikkhah (199-G/F-83, agency:
SportsList Inc.) scored 26 points to lead the Iranian champions to
the victory.
Mahram and Al Rayyan looked well matched in the starting stanza. The
Iranian team earned a narrow 22:20 lead at the first break. Al Rayyan
surged ahead 27:24 early in the second period. But Mahram responded with
a 12:0 run as
Hamed Afagh (192-G-83, agency:
SportsList Inc.) exploded with a couple of three-pointers. Mahram
soon completed a 20:2 run that gave them a confident lead. Mahram
finished the first half up by 13 points 46:33. The second half was
marked by impressive performance from
Samad Nikkhah. He fire 20 points helping Mahram to stay in charge.
Mahram made the decisive run in the third quarter. They cleared off to a
27-point distance before the fourth period. Al Rayyan could not find any
proper answers for the onslaught from the champions and had to yield at
the end. Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college:
Iowa St.) delivered 21 points for Mahram.
Hamed Afagh knocked down 17 points, while Loren Woods had 15 in the
victory.
Yasseen Musa (204-F-80) replied with 20 points for Al Rayyan.
Tanguy Ngombo (196-F-89, agency:
Court Side) and
Erfan Ali Saeed (200-F-83) notched 14 points each in the loss.
3-4 place
Al Riyadi - ASU 82:78 (OT)
Al Riaydi repeated their 2009 Asia Champions Cup result. The Lebanese
champions once again clinched the third spot in the final ladder, this
time in Doha, Qatar. After losing in the semifinal yesterday Al Riyadi
tamed ASU of Jordan in overtime tonight.
Fadi El Khatib (199-F-79, agency:
Pro Management Agency) was unstoppable for Al Riyadi as he notched
36 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
The Lebanese team surged ahead right from the start. They stayed in
charge in the opening frame and piled up a 19:6 advantage at the first
break. Al Riyadi maintained the lead for some time in the second stanza
but ASU gradually recovered. The Jordanian champions capped the first
half on a 16:6 rally to cut the deficit at three-point mark 31:34. Al
Riyadi bounced back in the third stanza. They restored a safe cushion
but not for long though. ASU once again finished the period strongly and
trailed by only 3 points heading into the fourth quarter 51:54. The
teams exchanged baskets throughout intense final period. The end of
regulation saw 71:71 tie on the scoreboard. The game entered overtime
where Al Riaydi sealed the winning outcome.
Fadi El Khatib stayed on fire and brought Al Riyadi to the victory
in the consolation final. Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college:
Louisville) had 12 points and 8 rebounds for Al Riyadi.
Omar El Turk (188-G-81, college:
Dawson Coll.) added 11 points for the winning team.
Zaid Abbaas (203-F-83) responded with 15 points for ASU.
James Williams
(204-F-79, college:
Brown Mackie) tallied 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the
loss.
5-6 place Astana Tigers - Al Jalaa 75:68 Astana Tigers clinched the fifth spot at the Asia Champions Cup
in Qatar. The Kazakh champions held off Al Jalaa of Syria in the final
game at the tournament. The victory marked the best ever result for the
Tigers. In 2007 the Tigers occupied the sixth place.
Dmitriy Gavrilov (205-F-86) knocked down 15 points to lead the
charge.
Al Jalaa looked slightly better at the early stages of the game. The
Syrian team recorded a 21:18 advantage at the first break. Al Jalaa did
not allow Astana to change things in the second frame. The teams stayed
close but Al Jalaa still led by one point 36:35 at the interval. Astana
finally managed to surged ahead in the third quarter. The Kazakh side
pulled in front and clinched a 55:53 advantage heading into the fourth
frame. The Tigers managed to establish a reliable buffer in the final
minutes and withheld Al Jalaa rescue attempts to celebrate victory.
Anton Ponomarev (209-C/F-88, agency:
Court Side) nailed 13 points for Astana.
Aleksandr Tiutiunik (199-F-90) added 12 points for the winners.
Michel Maadanli (196-G-81) provided 15 points in the loss.
Sharif El Sharif (188-G-78) accounted for 11 points for Al Jalaa.
7-8 place
Smart Gilas - Al Hilal 100:95 (OT)
Smart Gilas finished their Asia Champions Cup on a high note. The
Filipino team celebrated the victory in the exciting overtime drama
against Al Hilal to claim the seventh overall position.
Mark Barroca (198-F/C-88) knocked down 24 points to pace Smart Gilas
in this one.
Al Hilal started the game in a commanding manner. The Saudi Arabia side
led throughout the opening quarter and finished it ahead by 6 points
20:14.
DerMarr Johnson (206-G-80, college:
Cincinnati) helped Al Hilal to accumulate an 8-point lead midway
through the second period. But Smart Gilas did not allow their opponents
to run away. The Filipino team managed to stay within 6 points at
halftime 41:47. Smat Gilas tipped off the second half with a 9:1 run to
surge ahead. The teams then traded baskets for some time and Al Hilal
led by just one point 66:65 at the third break. Neither side was able to
dominate in the fourth stanza. It all came down to the final seconds of
regulation.
Mark Barroca gave Smart Gilas an 85:82 lead with 40 seconds
remaining. However Hani Almohammed and
DerMarr Johnson leveled things up at 86 at the end of regulation.
Mark Barroca and
Chris Tiu (178-G-85) quickly pulled Smart Gilas ahead 92:86 in
overtime.
DerMarr Johnson dragged Al Hilal within one point 95:96 but
Chris Tiu and Lutz sealed the winning outcome for Smart Gilas from
the stripe. Chris Tiu finished with 18 points and 6 assists for Smart Gilas.
Aldrech Ramos (198-C/F-88) had 14 points in the win.
DerMarr Johnson tallied impressive 37 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists
and 6 steals for Al Hilal.
Brandon Crump (208-C-82, college:
Tennessee) accounted for 25 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in the
loss.
Al Rayyan and Mahram to clash in the Final - May.
29, 2010
Semifinals
Al Rayyan - ASU 82:62 Al Rayyan celebrated a confident win in the first semifinal at
the Asia Champions Cup. The hosts entertained the fans in Doha as they
rolled past ASU of Jordan.
Erfan Ali Saeed (200-F-83) and
Omer Abgader Salem (205-C-83) knocked down 15 points apiece to lead
Al Rayyan.
Al Rayyan and ASU stayed close throughout the opening frame. The Qatari
champions posted a narrow 18:16 advantage at the first break. Both teams
stressed defense in the second period. Al Rayyan were more successful as
they recorded a 36:30 advantage at the interval. The third period was
marked by an overwhelming dominance of the home side. Al Rayyan limited
their opponents to just 9 points and finished the frame up by as many as
18 points 57:39. The Qatari team looked solid in the fourth quarter and
easily sealed the winning outcome at the end. Tanguy Ngombo (196-F-89, agency:
Court Side) delivered 14 points for Al Rayyan. Cory Bradford netted
13 points in the victory.
James Williams
(204-F-79, college:
Brown Mackie) responded with 17 points for ASU.
Zaid Abbaas (203-F-83) had 13 points in the losing effort.
Mahram - Al Riyadi 71:64
Mahram put on a clinical defensive show to secure the victory at the
Asia Champions Cup semifinal. The defending champions prevailed against
Al Riyadi of Lebanon to face hosting Al Rayyan in the title decider. Al
Riaydi will take on ASU in the consolation final. Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college:
Iowa St.) was pivotal in the opening frame. Mahram centre scored 8 points
to help them accumulate a 17:13 lead at the break. Mahram kept on
mounting the pressure in the second frame. They held Al Riyadi to just 8
points in the second period and built a 32:21 lead at the intermission.
Mahram kept the Lebanese champions at safe distance throughout the third
quarter. The margin grew at 19 points heading into the fourth stanza. Al
Riyadi managed to cut the distance as they unleashed an 8:0 run early in
the fourth term. But Mahram quickly stopped the bleeding and raced to
the victory at the end. Samad Nikkhah (199-G/F-83, agency:
SportsList Inc.) nailed 27 points to lead Mahram.
Jackson Vroman added 18 points, while
Loren Woods (218-C-78, college:
Arizona) notched 15 points in the winning case.
Fadi El Khatib (199-F-79, agency:
Pro Management Agency) responded with 20 points for Al Riyadi.
Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college:
Louisville) netted 16 points in the loss.
5-8 place
Astana Tigers - Al Hilal 64:50
Astana Tigers claimed the third win at the Asia Champions Cup. They held
off Al Hilal in Doha today. The Kazakh champions will now face the
winner of Smart Gilas vs. Al Jalaa for the fifth overall position at the
tournament. Astana will try to beat their 2007 result when the Tigers
finished in the sixth position.
Anton Ponomarev (209-C/F-88, agency:
Court Side) scored 14 points to lead the Kazakh team to the victory
today.
The Tigers stayed in charge in the starting frame. They posted a 22:16
lead at the first break. Astana did not allow the Saudi Arabia team to
get any closer in the second frame and finished the half ahead by 7
points 38:31. Astana maintained the advantage in the third period.
Astana headed into the fourth frame up by 8 points 48:40. Al Hilal could
not change things around in the fourth period and had to yield at the
end. Dmitriy Gavrilov (205-F-86) notched 11 points in the winning case.
DerMarr Johnson (206-G-80, college:
Cincinnati) answered with 23 points for Al Hilal.
Mohammad Al Saqr (178-G-85) netted 12 points in the loss.
Smart Gilas - Al Jalaa 81:83
Sharif El Sharif hit a buzzer-beater to allow Al Jalaa celebrate a
narrow victory over Smart Gilas in the classification round of Asia
Champions Cup. The Syrian champions will now face the Kazakh
counterparts Astana Tigers in the battle for the 5th spot. Smart Gilas
will aim at finishing seventh when they take on Al Hilal tomorrow.
Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, agency:
Strategic Sports, college:
Providence) knocked down 23 points to pace Al Jalaa to the victory.
The game did not look so bright for Al Jalaa at the early stages. Smart
Gilas dominated the first half. The Filipino champions recorded a 21:14
buffer at the first break. They never slowed down in the second stanza.
The gap grew at 11-point distance at halftime. But gradually Al Jalaa
found the right rhythm. They narrowed the gap at just 2-point mark with
ten minutes to go. Al Jalaa denied the deficit in the fourth period and
the teams stayed close setting up mouth-watering final minutes. The
scoreboard read 81 apiece when Dylan Ababou missed his jumper.
Garnett Thompson came up with the rebound and found Sharif El Sharif
who unleashed his shot right on the money bringing the victory for Al
Jalaa. Michel Maadanli (196-G-81) finished with 17 points for Al Jalaa.
Chris Tiu (178-G-85) responded with 17 points for Smart Gilas.
Mac Baracael (193-F/G-85) had 15 points in the loss.
Al Rayyan, Mahram, ASU and Al Riyadi enter
semifinals - May. 28, 2010
Quarterfinals
Al Riyadi - Smart Gilas 74:63 Al Riyadi sealed the semifinal appearance at the Asia Champions
Cup in Doha. The Lebanese team overcame Smart Gilas in the quarterfinal
tonight.
Fadi El Khatib (199-F-79, agency:
Pro Management Agency) knocked down 24 points to lead the effort. Al
Riyadi managed to bounce back after a slow start and marched to the
victory after the main break.
Smart Gilas put on a clinical defensive performance in the starting
frame. They limited Al Riyadi to just 9 points and earned a 10:9 lead at
the first break. The second term saw an intense battle. Neither side
could surge ahead and the teams were knotted up at 34 after twenty
minutes of action. Al Riyadi finally managed to take over after the long
break. They fired to a 9-point advantage at the final intermission.
Fadi El Khatib stepped up with 12 points in the fourth stanza
helping Al Riyadi to the victory. Rony Fahed (182-G-81, agency:
Pro Management Agency) and
Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college:
Louisville) knocked down 15 points apiece in the victory.
Milan Vucicevic (206-F/C-85) responded with 22 points for Smart
Gilas.
Mark Barroca (198-F/C-88) had 15 points in the loss.
Al Rayyan - Al Hilal 97:59 Al Rayyan had no problems against Al Hilal at the quarterfinal
stage of Asia Champions Cup. The hosts stunned their Saudi Arabia
opponents and would now face ASU of Jordan in the semis tomorrow. Al
Hilal will face Astana Tigers in the classification round.
Al Rayyan did not give a single chance for the visitors. The Qatari
champions exploded with 29 points in the opening frame taking a 15-point
lead. The margin stayed in the second stanza. Al Rayyan arrived at the
main break up by 13 points 46:33. Al Rayyan did not slow down in the
third period. They established a comfortable 76:46 cushion heading into
the fourth quarter. Al Hilal could not recover as Al Rayyan coasted to
the win in the fourth stanza.
Yasseen Musa (204-F-80) delivered 18 points for the winners.
Tanguy Ngombo (196-F-89, agency:
Court Side) added 16 points for the home side.
Brandon Crump (208-C-82, college:
Tennessee) responded with 14 points for Al Hilal.
DerMarr Johnson (206-G-80, college:
Cincinnati) canned 13 points in the loss.
ASU - Astana Tigers 74:59
Applied Science University of Jordan became the first semifinalists at
the Asia Champions Cup in Qatar. They shot down Astana in the opening
quarterfinal battle in Doha.
Olumide Oyedeji (208-C/F-81) came up with 19 points and 11 rebounds
to pace ASU. The Jordanian team will now take on the winner of Al Rayyan
vs. Al Hilal clash.
The teams stayed close in the starting frame. The Tigers managed to eke
out a narrow 15:13 lead at the first break. But ASU opened the second
frame with seven points in a row and surged ahead. They rolled to a
30:27 advantage at the interval. Astana tried to stay within striking
distance throughout the third quarter. However ASU went on a 16:3 run
late in the period to establish a comfortable 54:38 advantage. ASU
stretched the gap at 20-point mark in the fourth stanza and never looked
back en route to the victory. Wesam Al-Sous (183-G-83) nailed 15 points for ASU.
Zaid Abbaas (203-F-83) and James Williams provided 14 points each in
the win.
Aleksandr Tiutiunik (199-F-90) accounted for 16 points for the
Tigers.
Anton Ponomarev (209-C/F-88, agency:
Court Side) netted 10 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 4
assists in the loss.
Mahram - Al Jalaa 88:60
The Asia Champions Cup defending champions Mahram reached the semifinal
stage at this years edition of the tournament. The Iranian champions
toppled Al Jalaa of Syria to move into the next stage.
Samad Nikkhah (199-G/F-83, agency:
SportsList Inc.) fired 21 points to pace Mahram.
Jalaa well-matched the tournaments favorites in the first frame. The
Syrian team stayed close and finished the starting stanza down by just
two points 21:23. But Mahram speeded the game up in the second stanza.
They cleared off to take a 44:34 lead at the interval. Mahram continued
to stay in charge after the big break. The Iranian outfit raced to a
20-point advantage with ten minutes remaining. Al Jalaa were not able to
recover in the final stanza. Mahram cruised to the victory and would
take on either Al Riyadi or Smart Gilas at the semifinal stage. Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college:
Iowa St.) knocked down 17 points for Mahram.
Loren Woods (218-C-78, college:
Arizona) delivered 12 points and 11 rebounds in the victory.
Chudney Gray (188-G-78, college:
St.John's) answered with 16 points for Al Jalaa.
Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, agency:
Strategic Sports, college:
Providence) finished with 11 points in the losing effort.
Preliminary Round. Day 5 - May.
26, 2010
Group A
Al Rayyan - Mahram 78:72 Tanguy Ngombo (196-F-89, agency:
Court Side) scored 24 points to help Al Rayyan remained undefeated
at the Asia Champions Cup. The Qatari champions defeated previously
unbeaten Mahram to clinch the top spot in Group A. Al Rayyan will now
take on Al Hilal at the quarterfinal stage. Mahram occupied the second
spot in the pool and would face Al Jalaa of Syria.
The teams traded baskets for some time in the opening frame before Al
Rayyan stepped in front. They earned an 18:14 lead at the first break.
The hosts stayed in charge in the second period. They arrived at
halftime up by three points 33:30. Mahram however managed to deny the
deficit in the third stanza. Led by
Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college:
Iowa St.) the defending champions pulled ahead for a 56:54 advantage with
ten minutes remaining. But
Erfan Ali Saeed (200-F-83) organized a decisive 15:2 run from Al
Rayyan early in the fourth term as the home side ran away for good in
this one.
Cory Bradford
(191-G-78, agency:
Edge Sports, college:
Illinois) delivered 17 points for the winners.
Yasseen Musa (204-F-80) knocked down 10 points for Al Rayyan.
Jackson Vroman answered with 21 points for Mahram.
Samad Nikkhah (199-G/F-83, agency:
SportsList Inc.) finished with 19 points in the loss.
Smart Gilas - Duhok 76:74
Smart Gilas celebrated the first win at the Asia Champions Cup in Doha.
They nipped Duhok in the final round of preliminary action to seal the
final ticket to the quarterfinals. Milan Vucicevic knocked down a late
bucket to propel the Filipino team to the decisive victory.
Mac Baracael (193-F/G-85) knocked down 22 points to pace Smart
Gilas.
Duhok used an 8:0 run early in the game to surge ahead. The Iraqi team
raced to a 22:18 advantage at the first intermission. Smart Gilas
bounced back in the second frame. They denied the deficit and
accumulated a 36:34 lead at halftime. Duhok retained the lead in the
third frame as the seesaw action continued. The lead changed hands
throughout the fourth term.
Calvin Cage (183-G-84, college:
Buffalo) drew things level at 74 with six seconds to go in
regulation. Milan Vucicevic managed to unleash the decisive shot that
propelled Smart Gilas into the next round. Mark Barroca (198-F/C-88) provided 15 points for the winners.
Chris Tiu (178-G-85) netted 12 points for Smart Gilas.
Calvin Cage responded with game-high 34 points for Duhok.
Priest Lauderdale (221-C-73, college:
Central State) accounted for 17 points in the loss.
Group B
Al Riyadi - Al Nasr 92:83
Al Riyadi remained undefeated at the Asia Champions Cup in Qatar.
Rony Fahed (182-G-81, agency:
Pro Management Agency) fired 29 points to lead the Lebanese
champions. Al Riyadi will wait for the outcome of Duhok vs. Smart Gilas
clash to get to know their quarterfinal opponents. Al Nasr lost the
fourth straight game at the tournament and were kept away from the
playoffs.
Al Nasr capitalized on some sloppiness from Al Riyadi early in the game.
The UAE champions raced to a 23:22 lead ten minutes into the game. But
Al Riyadi gradually took over and built a 51:46 advantage at halftime.
Al Riyadi maintained the advantage throughout the third quarter. The
Lebanese champions entered the fourth stanza up by four points 70:66. Al
Riyadi completely dominated the fourth term. They easily cleared off to
race to the comfortable win at the end.
Omar El Turk (188-G-81, college:
Dawson Coll.) and
Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college:
Louisville) delivered 14 points each in the victory.
Radhouane Slimane (205-C-80) responded with game-high 32 points for
Al Nasr.
Vincent Jones (210-C-77, college:
Jackson St.) had 21 points in the losing effort.
ASU - Al Hilal 96:63 ASU of Jordan earned the third win at the Asia Champions Cup in
Doha. They finished the preliminary round action with a confident win
over Al Hilal.
James Williams
(204-F-79, college:
Brown Mackie) knocked down 21 points to lead ASU. The Jordanian
champions will now take on Astana Tigers at the quarterfinal series. Al
Hilal slipped at 1-3 record but still booked the spot in the playoffs.
ASU surged ahead in the opening frame. They piled up a 27:21 advantage
at the first break. ASU maintained the lead throughout the second
stanza. The scoreboard read 53:43 for ASU at halftime. ASU did not
loosen the grip after the major break. Frederick Oniga team rolled to a
13-point advantage into the fourth quarter. Al Hilal accounted for just
6 points in the final stanza and surrendered at the end. Nidal Shareef (190-G-82) notched 15 points for ASU.
Wesam Al-Sous (183-G-83) netted 14 points in the winning effort.
DerMarr Johnson (206-G-80, college:
Cincinnati) responded with 27 points for Al Hilal.
Brandon Crump (208-C-82, college:
Tennessee) had 12 points in the loss.
Preliminary Round. Day 4 - May.
25, 2010
Group A
Mahram - Smart Gilas 86:72 The Asia Champions Cup defending champions Mahram earned the
third straight win at the tournament. Today Mahram knocked down Smart
Gilas to remain on top of preliminary Group A. Mahram will now take on
Al Rayyan of Qatar for the top spot in the pool.
Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college:
Iowa St.) nailed 28 points to lead the charge. Smart Gilas slipped at 0-3
record after the defeat.
Mahram raced to a 23:16 lead at the first break. Smart Gilas did not
allow Mahram to clear off in the second period. The Filipino team stayed
close and trailed by just 5 points at halftime break. Mahram gradually
took over and spurred in front in the third stanza. The Iranian champs
accumulated an 8-point advantage heading into the fourth stanza. Mahram
stayed alert in the final period and sealed the victory in the final
minutes.
Loren Woods (218-C-78, college:
Arizona) nailed 20 points for Mahram.
Hamed Afagh (192-G-83, agency:
SportsList Inc.) contributed 16 points in the winning case.
Mark Barroca (198-F/C-88) answered with 13 points for Smart Gilas.
Mac Baracael (193-F/G-85) netted 11 points in the loss.
Al Rayyan - Astana Tigers 86:65
Al Rayyan entertained the home crowd with the third straight win at the
Asia Champions Cup in Doha. The Qatari champions fired past Astana to
claim 3-0 record on top of Group A. The Tigers in the meantime fell at
2-2.
Erfan Ali Saeed (200-F-83) knocked down 18 points to lead the
winners.
Al Rayyan quickly ran away at the start of the game. They gradually
piled up a 9-point lead at the first break. The margin kept on growing
throughout the second frame. Al Rayyan established a comfortable
19-point advantage at the interval. The Tigers could not change the
complexion of the game in the third stanza. The hosts maintained the
pressure and drove to a 24-point lead with one quarter remaining. Al
Rayyan did not loosen the grip in the fourth stanza and rolled to
another victory at the end.
Michael Fey (213-F/C-83, college:
UCLA)
finished with 14 points.
Cory Bradford
(191-G-78, agency:
Edge Sports, college:
Illinois) accounted for 13 points in the winning effort.
Aleksandr Tiutiunik (199-F-90) responded with 16 points for the
Tigers.
Group B
Al Riyadi - ASU 73:72
Al Riyadi earned the third straight win at the Asia Champions Cup. The
Lebanese champions toppled ASU in a thrilling contest to remain on top
of preliminary Group B. The Jordanian champions suffered the initial
loss at the tournament and fell at 2-1 record.
The teams traded baskets early in the game before Al Riyadi accounted
for 7 straight points and pulled ahead 18:11. They finished the opening
stanza up by 6 points 18:12. Omar El Turk fired a triple to give Al
Riyadi an 11-point advantage midway through the second stanza. ASU
however did not allow their opponents to drive away. The Jordanian
outfit narrowed the gap to trail by just 6 points at halftime 35:41. ASU
got within one but
Fadi El Khatib (199-F-79, agency:
Pro Management Agency) helped Al Riyadi to restore a comfortable
advantage. ASU stayed contestant till the final seconds. Zaid Abbaas put
ASU within 3 points with seven seconds to go. Wesam Al-Sous hit a
buzzer-beating jumper but it was not enough to send the game into
overtime. Fadi El Khatib produced 23 points to pace Al Riyadi.
Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college:
Louisville) accounted for 21 points in the winning case.
James Williams
(204-F-79, college:
Brown Mackie) answered with 25 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists for
ASU.
Olumide Oyedeji (208-C/F-81) had 16 points and 10 caroms in the
loss.
Al Jalaa - Al Nasr 95:85
Al Jalaa recorded their second win at the Asia Champions Cup in Doha.
They outscored Al Nasr to improve at 2-2 record in preliminary round
Group B. Al Nasr lost their third straight and remained at the bottom of
the ladder.
Michel Maadanli (196-G-81) knocked down 26 points, grabbed 11
rebounds and issued 5 assists to lead the Syrian champions. Michel Maadanli put Al Jalaa in front early in the encounter and the
Syrian outfit maintained the advantage throughout the starting frame.
They ensured a 24:20 lead at the first break. However Al Nasr bounced
back in the second period. Vincent Jones put Al Nasr in charge and the
teams stayed close throughout the reminder of the first half. Al Jalaa
managed to secure a narrow 44:42 lead at the interval. Al Jalaa used an
8:0 run late in the third stanza to clear off 61:54.
Radhouane Slimane (205-C-80) dragged Al Nasr within four points
midway through the fourth term.
Saleh Sultan cut the distance to minimum before Al Jalaa accounted
for some important baskets and ran away for good in this one. Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, agency:
Strategic Sports, college:
Providence) netted 17 points for the winners.
Chudney Gray (188-G-78, college:
St.John's) had 13 points and 8 assists for Al Jalaa.
Saleh Sultan and
Radhouane Slimane answered with 23 points apiece for Al Nasr.
Preliminary Round. Day 3 - May.
24, 2010
Group A
Smart Gilas - Astana Tigers 71:77 (OT) Astana posted the second win at the Asia Champions Cup in Doha.
The Tigers held off the Filipino champs Smart Gilas to improve at 2-1
record on top of preliminary Pool A. Smart Gilas suffered the second
consecutive defeat at the tournament.
Dmitriy Gavrilov (205-F-86) unloaded 26 points for the winning team.
The Tigers got to the better start. They earned a 20:14 lead at the end
of the opening frame. Astana stayed in front in the second period. They
established a 6-point advantage at the interval 36:30. Smart Gilas
struggled to change the complexion of the encounter after the main
break. Astana rallied to a 51:44 lead heading into the fourth stanza.
But Smart Gilas were able to rescue the game in regulation. Aldrech
Ramos drained a late triple to send game into overtime. However
Dmitriy Gavrilov took over in the extra frame. He knocked down 8
points and sealed the victory for the Kazakh side. Anton Ponomarev (209-C/F-88, agency:
Court Side) finished with 17 points in the victory.
Chris Tiu (178-G-85) delivered 17 points for Smart Gilas.
Mark Barroca (198-F/C-88) added 14 points in the loss.
Mahram - Duhok 109:68
Mahram opened their Asia Champions Cup title defence with the second
straight victory. They coasted past Duhok in Group A.
Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college:
Iowa St.) unleashed 36 points to pace the effort. Duhok suffered their
third consecutive loss at the start of the tournament.
The teams stayed close throughout the starting frame. Duhok matched
their opponents and trailed by just three points 21:24 at the first
break. But the Iranian champions fired off a 14:0 run early in the
second term to run away. Mahram rallied to a comfortable 62:35 lead at
the interval. The defending champions controlled the pace in the third
stanza and finished it ahead by as many as 43 points 91:48. Mahram
breezed to the victory in the fourth stanza. Loren Woods (218-C-78, college:
Arizona) and
Hamed Afagh (192-G-83, agency:
SportsList Inc.) nailed 13 points each in the win.
Calvin Cage (183-G-84, college:
Buffalo) replied with 21 points for Duhok. Mohammed Mahdi delivered
17 points in the loss. Mahram will next take on Smart Gilas of
Philippine. Duhok will face Smart Gilas on Wednesday.
Group B
ASU - Al Jalaa 78:64 ASU registered the second consecutive win at the Asia Champions
Cup in Qatar. The victory allowed ASU to stay on top of preliminary
Group B. Al Jalaa on the other hand slipped at 1-2 record.
James Williams
(204-F-79, college:
Brown Mackie) dropped 19 points to pace the Jordanian champions.
The first term saw a low-scoring affair. The teams combined for 21
points in the period as ASU grabbed a 13:8 lead. The Jordanian side
maintained the advantage throughout the second frame. ASU piled up a
12-point advantage at the interval. However Al Jalaa went on a 14:6 run
in the third frame to cut the distance at only 4 points.
Wesam Al-Sous (183-G-83) notched a pair of timely triples to put ASU
beyond reach. The Jordanian champions maintained the margin in the
reminder of the contest and celebrated a comfortable win at the end.
Wesam Al-Sous nailed 18 points for ASU.
Olumide Oyedeji (208-C/F-81) added 16 points in the victory.
Marcelle Yaqqub responded with 23 points for Al Jalaa.
Chudney Gray (188-G-78, college:
St.John's) accounted for 16 points in the loss.
Al Riyadi - Al Hilal 83:77
Al Riyadi earned the second consecutive win at the Asia Champions Cup in
Qatar. The Lebanon team prevailed against their Saudi Arabia
counterparts Al Hilal tonight to remain on top of preliminary Group B.
Al Hilal in the meantime slipped at 1-2 record.
Fadi El Khatib (199-F-79, agency:
Pro Management Agency) scored 19 points to pace Al Riyadi.
The first quarter saw a tough battle. Al Riyadi eked out a narrow 25:23
advantage at the first term. Fadi Al Khatib fired 17 points in the first
half and that was him who made difference. Al Riyadi took over in the
second stanza and rallied to a 49:36 lead at halftime. The Lebanese
champions raised the tempo even higher in the third term and established
a comfortable 22-point lead before the final frame. Al Hilal showed
character in the fourth quarter as they went on a 14:2 run to cut the
deficit. But Al Riyadi stayed confident and sealed the win at the end.
Ali Mahmoud (182-G-83) notched 16 points for Al Riyadi.
Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college:
Louisville) added 12 points in the winning effort.
DerMarr Johnson (206-G-80, college:
Cincinnati) answered with 25 points for Al Hilal.
Brandon Crump (208-C-82, college:
Tennessee) netted 12 points in the loss.
Preliminary Round. Day 2 - May.
23, 2010
Group A
Astana Tigers - Duhok 75:68 Astana Tigers opened win count at the Asia Champions Cup in
Doha. They shot down Iraqi Duhok in the second round of action in Group
A. The Tigers thus improved at 1-1 record dropping Duhok at 0-2.
Anton Ponomarev (209-C/F-88, agency:
Court Side) scored 23 points to lead the Kazakhstan champs.
Near perfect defence helped Astana took over in the opening frame. The
Tigers held their opponents to just 10 points in the first ten minutes
and grabbed a 9-point lead. Astana maintained the advantage throughout
the second frame. They extended the gap to 12-point mark at the
interval. The tempo increased in the third stanza. The teams traded
baskets eagerly however Duhok could not get any closer. Astana entered
the fourth frame ahead by 12 points. Duhok finally managed to show some
defensive aggressiveness in the fourth term but it was too late to
rescue the game.
Maxim Voyeikov (197-F-88) and
Rustam Yargaliyew (195-F/G-86) canned 12 points each for the winning
side.
Priest Lauderdale (221-C-73, college:
Central State) responded with 19 points for Duhok.
Calvin Cage (183-G-84, college:
Buffalo) finished with 17 points in the loss.
Al Rayyan - Smart Gilas 86:58
Al Rayyan overcame a slow start to tame Smart Gilas at the Asia
Champions Cup today. The Qatari champions improved at 2-0 record in
preliminary Group A after the win. Smart Gilas in the meantime fell at
0-1.
Erfan Ali Saeed (200-F-83) scored 19 points to lead the effort.
Smart Gilas entered the game enthusiastically. They fired 24 points in
the opening frame and grabbed a 24:23 lead ten minutes into the game.
More to come as the Filipino team stayed in charge after the
intermission. Smart Gilas boosted the gap at 5-point mark at halftime.
But the third term put Al Rayyan in the drivers seat. The Qatari team
took over as they outgunned their opponents 23:10. The fourth period
turned into a one-way traffic as Al Rayyan dominated every facet of the
game. They shocked Smart Gilas 27:7 and celebrated a confident win at
the end.
Cory Bradford
(191-G-78, agency:
Edge Sports, college:
Illinois) and
Tanguy Ngombo (196-F-89, agency:
Court Side) nailed 15 points each for the winners. Ali Saad
Abdulrahman connected for 10 points for Al Rayyan.
Mark Barroca (198-F/C-88) answered with 13 points for Smart Gilas.
Mac Baracael (193-F/G-85) finished with 11 points in the loss.
Group B
Al Jalaa Al Hilal 93:63 Al Jalaa rebounded after a slow start at the Asia Champions
Cup. The Syrian team recorded the initial victory after edging Al Hilal
in Round 2.
Michel Maadanli (196-G-81) stepped up with 36 points to pace Jalaa.
The Syrian champions stormed into this one. They dropped 29 points in
the opening frame building a 10-point buffer. The second term also
belonged to Al Jalaa. They outscored the Saudi Arabia side 26:8 to
establish a comfortable 55:27 advantage at halftime. Al Hilal answered
with their own rally in the third period. Led by
DerMarr Johnson (206-G-80, college:
Cincinnati) Al Hilal narrowed the gap to 14 points heading into the
final frame. But Al Jalaa quickly regained control and sealed the
victory in confident manner.
Chudney Gray (188-G-78, college:
St.John's) contributed 19 points for Al Jalaa.
Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, agency:
Strategic Sports, college:
Providence) delivered 13 points in the victory.
DerMarr Johnson answered with 13 points for Al Hilal.
Hassan Al Zawad (178-G-84) netted 11 points in the loss.
ASU - Al Nasr 90:74 ASU confidently began their Asia Champions Cup campaign. The
Jordanian team fired past Al Nasr in preliminary Group B. Al Nasr in the
meantime suffered the second straight loss at the tournament.
Zaid Abbaas (203-F-83) unloaded 22 points to lead ASU.
The first quarter turned out to be crucial in this one. ASU opened the
game aggressively and immediately raced in front. They exploded with 30
points in the opening stanza and established a massive 17-point
advantage ten minutes into the encounter. The team from Jordan did not
slow down in the second period. ASU piled up a comfortable 25-point
buffer at the interval. Al Nasr finally found the right rhythm in the
third period. They capitalized on some sloppiness from ASU and cut the
margin. However ASU entered the final term still having a solid 21-point
cushion and sealed the victory in the dying minutes. Olumide Oyedeji (208-C/F-81) scored 15 points for the winners. Al
Nasr responded with 30 points from
Radhouane Slimane (205-C-80).
Vincent Jones (210-C-77, college:
Jackson St.) accounted for 20 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.
Preliminary Round. Day 1 - May.
22, 2010
Group A
Mahram - Astana Tigers 77:49
The Asian Club Championship tipped off in Doha today. The defending
champions Iranian Mahram got to the flying start as they cruised past
Astana Tigers of Kazakhstan.
Loren Woods (218-C-78, college:
Arizona) and
Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college:
Iowa St.) scored 19 points each to secure the victory.
Mahram quickly surged ahead at the beginning of the encounter. While the
Tigers were adjusting their offence Mahram ran away to a 19:8 lead. The
Kazakhstan champions stopped the bleeding in the second frame. They
traded baskets with the favourites and trailed by the same 11 points at
halftime. But the third frame doomed Astana. Mahram pushed the throttle
and cleared off. The Iranian powerhouse built a massive 30-point
advantage before the final stanza. The Tigers had little to answer with
in the final frame and surrendered at the end.
Mahdi Kamrani (181-G-82) delivered 10 points in the victory.
Anton Ponomarev (209-C/F-88, agency:
Court Side) answered with 14 points and 16 rebounds for the Tigers.
Rustam Yargaliyew (195-F/G-86) finished with 9 points in the loss.
Al Rayyan - Duhok 88:66
Al Rayyan opened the Asia Champions Cup with victory. The Qatar team
held off their Iraqi counterparts Duhok in Group A.
Michael Fey (213-F/C-83, college:
UCLA)
scored 20 points to lead Al Rayyan.
Duhok looked solid in the first frame. They outrebounded their opponents
but it could not allow them to step in front. Al Rayyan grabbed a 21:16
lead ten minutes into the encounter. Al Rayyan continued to mount the
lead in the second period. They established a 40:31 advantage at the
interval. Duhok could not change the complexion of the encounter in the
second half. Al Rayyan stayed dominant and posted a 13-point advantage
heading into the fourth term. The Qatar team coasted to the victory in
the final stanza.
Erfan Ali Saeed (200-F-83) and
Yasseen Musa (204-F-80) ensured 15 points each for the winners.
Priest Lauderdale (221-C-73, college:
Central State) answered with 24 points and 9 rebounds for Duhok.
Calvin Cage (183-G-84, college:
Buffalo) netted 22 points in the losing effort.
Group B
Al Riyadi - Al Jalaa 87:77
Al Riyadi fired down Al Jalaa at the start of the 21st Edition of Asia
Champions Cup. The Lebanon team overcame a slow start to finish off
their opponents after the main break.
Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college:
Louisville) and
Fadi El Khatib (199-F-79, agency:
Pro Management Agency) knocked down 27 points apiece to pace Al
Riyadi.
The teams looked well matched early in the game. The lead changed hands
for several times before
Michel Maadanli (196-G-81) and Gray gave the Syrian team a 19:17
advantage at the end of the first quarter. Al Riyadi used a 7:0 run
midway through the second period to surge ahead. They maintained the
lead but a three-pointer from Haddad helped Al Jalaa retain the
advantage 38:36 at the interval.
Fadi El Khatib and Ali Fakhreddine allowed Al Riyadi to step in
front early in the third term. The Lebanese team mounted the pressure
and managed to clear off to a 10-point distance. Al Riyadi arrived at
the final break ahead by ten points 62:52. Al Riyadi quickly boosted the
margin at 18-point mark in the final stanza and never looked back en
route to the win. Chester Jarell Giles
(211-F/C-85, college:
Oregon St.) accounted for 15 points and 15 rebounds in the victory.
Garnett Thompson (207-F/C-80, agency:
Strategic Sports, college:
Providence) responded with 21 points and 12 boards for Al Jalaa.
Michel Maadanli netted 17 points in the loss.
Al Hilal - Al Nasr 77:69 Al Hilal recorded the initial win at the Asia Champions Cup
held in Doha. They held off Al Nasr in Group B action.
Brandon Crump (208-C-82, college:
Tennessee) fired 29 points to lead the winners.
It was a close battle from start to finish. Al Hilal led by just two
points midway through the fourth stanza 67:65. However the Saudi Arabia
outfit went on a decisive 10:4 run in the closing minutes to clear off
for good in this one.
DerMarr Johnson (206-G-80, college:
Cincinnati) notched 18 points for Al Hilal.
Mohammad Al Saqr (178-G-85) added 11 points for the winners. Khalid
AlSari responded with 21 points for Al Nasr. Alsuwaidi finished with 12
points in the loss.
Asian Club Championships : Mahram defend their title in Doha (Photo:fibaasia.net)
Mahram defend their title in Doha (Photo:fibaasia.net)
Hashemi
