Doha, March 30 (QNA) - Al Arabi Club kicked off its campaign in the best-of-three finals of the 45th edition of the Qatar Men's Basketball League (2025–2026 season) with a 79–71 victory over Al Rayyan, in the first matchup held on Monday at Al Gharafa Hall. With this win, Al Arabi took a crucial first step toward clinching the championship, gaining both psychological and technical momentum early in the series.

Al Arabi imposed its dominance from the start, winning the first quarter 23–11 thanks to tight defensive organization and rapid offensive transitions, which gave them a comfortable edge in rhythm and score.

Al Rayyan responded in the second quarter, narrowing the gap with a 24–22 advantage, capitalizing on improved offensive efficiency and some defensive lapses from Al Arabi. The first half ended with renewed suspense.

The third quarter was closely contested, with both sides trading baskets in a tactical battle, before Al Arabi edged it 14–11. The fourth quarter saw Al Rayyan prevail 25–20, but it wasn't enough to overturn the overall result.

Individually, Al Rayyan's Malik Romero Carey was the game's top scorer with 32 points, while Al Arabi's Elmedin Kikanović led his team with 20 points. Al Arabi's Abdulrahman Saad was named Best Qatari Player of the Match.

Al Arabi had booked its place in the finals by defeating Al Sadd in the semifinals (2–0), winning the first game 95–78 and the second 76–74.

Meanwhile, Al Rayyan advanced steadily past Al Ahli in the semifinals with the same result (2–0), winning 93–69 in the opener and 93–88 in a tightly contested second game.

The finals series continues with Game 2 scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026. Al Arabi will aim to seal the title early, while Al Rayyan enters with the motto “No alternative to victory” to force a decisive third game. If the teams split the first two games, the deciding match will be played on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

In the third-place playoff, Al Sadd overcame Al Ahli 80–73 in a fluctuating contest. Al Sadd started strong, taking the first quarter 26–18, before Al Ahli responded in the second (29–24). The third quarter ended level at 15–15, but Al Sadd closed out the fourth 15–11 to secure bronze.

Al Ahli's Nigel Armoni Johnson was the game's top scorer with 22 points, while Al Sadd's Steven Bernard Lennard Green led his side with 20 points. Mustafa Fouda of Al Sadd was named Best Qatari Player of the Match. (QNA)