KUMMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Shabab Al Ahli’s basketball team rose to the occasion when it mattered to win their final group game and secure a semi-final spot as hosts of the first season of the rebranded Champions League Asia (BCL Asia) at the Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Hall.
They thrashed Liaoning Flying Leopards 97-65 in Group A’s penultimate match and also won a bonus point for the 32-point margin over their Chinese rivals. Leaders and favourites Al Riyadhi were due to play the winless NS Matrix Deers in the final game to settle the order with Shabab Al Ahli.
In Group B, Shahrdary Gorgan of Iran and Japan’s Hiroshima Dragonflies made it through with five points from two wins and a loss. Pelita Jaya of Indonesia also had a similar output from the tournament, but lost out on inferior points difference. The Korean team KCC Egis ended up last with three points despite failing to win a game.