Hassan Nowrooz scored 23 points as Manama downed Al Hala 98-60 in the final to claim the Bahrain Zain Cup title for the 18th time last night at the Bahrain Basketball Association Sports Hall in Um Al Hassam.
The scores of the quarters were as follows: 14-11 (Manama), 24-14 (Manama), 24-19 (Manama), 36-16 (Manama).
Manama’s best scorers were Nowrooz, who finished with 23 points; Mohammed Hussain, who hit 14 points; and Kadeem Kolby, who had 12 points.
Al Hala’s best scorers were American Lorn Woods, who scored 15 points, along with Ali Jaffar, who added 12 points and Hussain Salman, who had 9 points.
It was Manama’s second title after reigning supreme in the Zain Super Cup at the beginning of the season by defeating Al Ahli.
Manama will now be looking to win their third title like they did last season, when they see action in the league competition.
Nowrooz shone brightest for Manama after being out of form in their previous games. He scored a number of three-point shots and hit lay-ups to help Manama win the title.
For Al Hala, it was their worst game ever this season after losing their chance to win a single match against Manama who remained with undefeated record this season.
Al Hala’s American professional giant Woods lost his temper in the last few minutes of the game when the referees called technical fouls against him. He was booed by Manama fans for his actions.
The match was attended by Bahrain Olympic Committee General Secretary Abdulrahman Askar, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports member Bahrain Olympic Committee member Shaikha Hayat bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, Bahrain Basketball Association President Adel Al Assomi and other officials, who all honoured the Manama team members with gold medals and the cup title, as well as Al Hala players with silver medals.