11 Jan 2007

Dubai: Al Jala of Syria stopped hosts UAE 82-75 to enter the semifinal of the 18th Dubai International Basketball tournament at the Al Ahli's club's Maktoum Bin Mohammad indoor stadium hall.

In another quarterfinal match, Al Riyadhi of Lebanon defeated Champville 104-85 to also clinch a place in the semifinals.

Al Jala opened their scoring through the six feet, 11 inch tall Vincent Jones. They notched up a quick 16-4 lead with accurate shooting from Sharif Al Sharif.

UAE took some time to get into their rhythm. Following a three pointer from Ebrahim Khalfan, they began to score at a brisk pace. UAE equalled at 20 just before the end of the first quarter.

A three-pointer from Hekmat Haddad helped Al Jala end the first quarter with a five point lead (25-20).

Al Jala went for the attack. Wissam Yakoub took the rebounds and provided good passes. Al Sharif of Al Jala led the scoring spree and swelled his team's lead to 41-29.

Al Jala planned their passes so brilliantly that many times they could score without a single UAE defender under the basket. By the half time, Al Jala took a huge 49-33 lead.

UAE fought back through Ali Abbas, who was accurate. Meanwhile, Al Jala committed a few fouls which helped UAE score through a few free throws.

Al Jala maintained a lead of 10 points for a long time. Al Sharif was superb in masterminding the moves as well as in scoring at the slightest opportunity.

UAE managed to score through all the free throws that came their way. By the end of the second quarter UAE once again caught up trailing by just four points (61-65).

Al Jala, who rested their star player Vincent Jones for the last quarter, returned fresh for the finish. He used his height to block the UAE players' attempt at the basket.

One minute and thirty seconds to go, UAE trailed by ten points. UAE could mange to reduce the lead to only seven points before surrendering 82-75 to the Syrian team.

Earlier, Al Riyadhi beat Champville of Lebanon.

In the first quarter they led 28-19 and increased the lead to 55-40 by half time. By the second quarter they led 87-60 and maintaining the lead won the match 104-85.

By Naveed Raja

Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.