KUWAIT CITY, April 27: Al-Qadisiya secured its spot in the basketball league final by defeating Kazma 93-87 in the decisive third match of the playoff semi-finals. This sets up a showdown with Kuwait Club in the culmination of the tournament.
In a series where Al-Qadisiya and Kazma each won one match, the tournament regulations mandated a decisive match, which the yellow team clinched after a hard-fought battle.
The final will follow the playoff system, spanning five matches instead of three, with the victor of three matches claiming the championship title.
Kazma initially took the lead with a strong performance from their American player, Chapman, leading 17-9. However, Al-Qadisiya quickly closed the gap by the end of the first quarter, with the score at 23-22 in favor of Kazma.
The game remained tight in the second quarter, with Kazma maintaining their lead through the efforts of Chapman and Abdulaziz Al-Hamidi. Yet, Al-Qadisiya managed to narrow the margin with solid plays from their American player, Lowry, scoring three-pointers. The third quarter concluded with Kazma holding a narrow 46-44 lead.
Al-Qadisiya took its first lead of the game in the third quarter with a stellar performance from American player Tilmon. The lead changed hands several times before the quarter ended with the Yellows ahead 65-64.
The fourth quarter mirrored the intensity of the previous ones, with both teams exchanging leads until the final 4 minutes. Al-Qadisiya surged ahead with two consecutive three-pointers from Abdul Mohsen Mortada and Rashid Al-Rabah, securing a 7-point lead. Despite Kazma’s efforts to narrow the gap, the exclusion of their American player, Leslie, for fouling, hindered their chances. With two intentional fouls and a lackluster performance from substitute Love, the match concluded with Al-Qadisiya emerging victorious with a score of 93-87.
Hassan Musa
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff