There was a lot of concern before this game started whether Humazah could dress 5 players to start this game. This was a highly anticipated match worthy of being a championship game of its own. Predictions were made by the crowd that the winner of this match would also take the league crown. Thankfully Humazah managed to get their fifth man and that was enough for them to play the match even though they didn't have a bench.
Both teams started well but it was Humazah that built on their lead once they got the chance. Tarek Dualeh and Saleh Mohamed scored their share of the baskets in the opening frame but it was Ismail Ismail who came alive in this game scoring 10 points in the first half. For Sharh it was the Moutdayne brothers that took control for the game. Hassan was especially on his game keeping his team in battle. Hassan had 13 decent points in the half. Still his efforts were not enough as Humazah led at the end of the half 29-22.
In the second half both teams came out blazing. Hassan opened up scoring for his team with a three-pointer but Humazah followed up with two quick jumpers of their own. No matter what Sharh did and how much they scored it seemed they weren't able to overcome the 10 point spread that Humazah had. Well not until the last three minutes of the game that is. As precious minutes started to tick away the team kicked in to high gear playing with complete desperation. They put together a mini 6 point streak and were able to bring the score down to a difference of 5 points which placed the game into stop time. From here it was going to be down to free throws to finish the game. Unfortunately for Humazah they blew their first bonus opportunity and Sharh capitalized on their chance. A steal here, an unforced turnover there, and some strong rebounding by Othman and suddenly the game was down to a difference of 1 point. It was still not enough as Ismail hit his free throws spreading the lead back to three. On the ensuing play Sharh had Hassan wide open for a three but didn't spot him and instead they turned the ball over. That led to another basket by Humazah and that was enough to break their backs. Othman fouled out of the game and Hassan threw up a few desperation three-pointers but it wasn't meant to be for them. In the end Humazah fended off Sharh winning the game 61-55.
Ismail Ismail was absolutely dominating in this game raising the bar to levels that his teammates and the fans had not seen. He led all scorers with 28 points and shooting 4 for 7 from beyond the arc. Captain Tarek Dualeh had an excellent defensive game as he posted 14 rebounds many of which gave his team numerous second chance opportunities. This game could have been a complete massacre had it not been for the presence of Hassan Moutdayne. Hassan finished with a team high 24 points and and 10 strong boards. His brother Othman led all players with 16 rebounds.
Unfortunately for Sharh they will be left to ponder on this game for the rest of the summer. The absence of a big man in their roster hurt them in the end and they'll definitely be looking to make some adjustments in the following season. As for Humazah they only get a one hour break before their championship game against Ash-Shams. |
