Bahrain got off to a rousing start by beating hosts Saudi Arabia 73-59 in the 5th GCC Basketball U-15 Championship held last night in Jeddah.
The quarters scores were as follows: 19-13 (Bahrain), 21-9 (Bahrain), 16-13 (Saudi Arabia), 21-20 (Saudi Arabia).
The match officials were Salim Al Zoabi of the UAE, Thani Al Kholasi of Oman and Baker Al Kuwari of Qatar.
Saudi Arabia earlier won their opening match against Qatar 48-44.
Bahrain now have two points and Saudi Arabia three.
The Bahrainis surprised the Saudis in the first two quarters with full-court press as the former’s star players scored on fastbreaks allowing the visitors to take a 40-22 lead after the second quarter.
Bahrain’s performance went down slightly in the third and fourth quarters, but coach Hassan Ali and his assistant Ali Rajab managed to keep the lead on their side, and won the match.
Today will be a rest day. The third round will resume tomorrow with Oman facing Qatar at 5pm and Bahrain playing their second match against the UAE at 7pm.