Alkass Digital
Darrin Ray Dorsey excelled as defending champions Al Sadd yesterday stormed into the semi-finals of the Amir Cup basketball tournament, thrashing Al Shamal 121-87 at Al Gharafa Sports Complex.
It was a three-way battle for the semi-finals spots from Group 1 with Al Ahli emerging as the other side to advance to the last-four stage of the prestigious tournament.
Al Gharafa, who also finished the group stage with three wins, missed the semi-final place despite their 90-73 victory over Al Khor yesterday. They lost to Al Ahli in the group stage on opening day of the tournament.
Al Sadd, who topped the group, face Qatar Basketball League champions Al Rayyan while Al Ahli will meet Group 2 winners Al Wakrah, with both the semi-finals scheduled to be played at 7pm tomorrow. The final will be held on Thursday.
With Al Sadd facing a must-win situation in their last group match, Dorsey shone with 20 points, nine rebounds and 16 assists to help his side stay on track in their title defence. Apart from him, Babacar Dieng (17 points), Clinton Daniel Chapman (16) and Faisal Nabil Abuissa (15) made valuable contribution for Al Sadd.
The defending champions remained dominant from the start, taking a 25-19 lead in the first period and closed the following session with a 53-41 advantage. They were outstanding in the penultimate quarter stretching the lead to 94-63 before wrapping up their outstanding victory.
Earlier yesterday, Kenneth Edward Brown Jr. and Mohd Yousuf Mohmmed scored 26 points each to steer Al Gharafa to a commanding win over Al Khor.
Al Gharafa remained ahead in the match, leading 25-17 and 47-40 after the first two periods. Al Khor reduced the lead in the third quarter taking score to 60-63 but Al Gharafa were too good in the final session, scoring 27 points while conceding only 10 points to ensure a comfortable win.
Anthony Wayne Criswell (34 points) and Ameer Stafford Jackson (20) were the leading performers for Al Khor. Al Gharafa finished third in the group followed by Al Shamal and Al Khor.