Al Arabi's Mustafa Hussain (left) excelled against Al Sadd scoring 28 points.
Doha, Qatar: Al Rayyan and Al Arabi opened their Men’s Basketball League semi-final playoff campaigns with convincing wins yesterday as the 2025–2026 season resumed following a temporary suspension due to regional circumstances. Matches were played at Al Gharafa Hall without spectators.
Al Rayyan dominated Al Ahli from the outset to secure a comfortable win, taking the four quarters 25–20, 24–20, 24–11, 20–18. Nigel Armoni Johnson led Al Ahli with 26 points, while Ryon Cortez Brown scored 25 for Rayyan and orchestrated the offense. Aladji Bobo Magassa was named Best Qatari Player of the Match.
In the other semi-final, Al Arabi defeated Al Sadd 95–78 after a strong fourth-quarter display. Al Arabi led 25–18 in the opening quarter, while Al Sadd trimmed the gap by taking the second 22–20. The third quarter ended 20–20 before Al Arabi pulled away 30–18 in the final period. Mustafa Hussain top-scored with 28 points, while Steven Green added 25 for Al Sadd.
Abdulrahman Saad was named Best Qatari Player of the Match.
The semi-finals are being played in a best-of-three format, with the second round scheduled for March 26.
