Yaffa - Nablus:

Big Moose powerbombs the box score with a 30 PT Double Double on 50+% FG alongside Monster game for Elias Shahsamand, who was only 2 Ast shy of a triple double. Incredible offensive performance, albeit it was a blow out game.

Nablus only fielded 5 players. Ali Hassan dropped 33 PTS 6 REB 3 AST 1 STL and he is HIM. Nablus was also missing 2 core guys in Hosam and Jojo, definitely would have helped them keep the game even.

At full strength I don't expect Nablus to be in the loss column often.

85-58


Al-Wehdat - Al-Bireh:

Pre-season ranked Al-Bireh at #2 and Al-Wehdat at #9. This game felt like a playoff game. AW won with only 50ish shots put up, clearly a defensive win. Gritty D led by AW CLAMPS specialist Ahmad Chaabane chiming in with a versatile 3333 stat line (0 TURNOVERS!). Mahdy led AW box with a monstrous 19 PTS 12 REB 4 AST 2 BLK.

Mana led AB box with 14 PTS 23 REB 3 STL 3 AST, Towfeek poured in 16 of his own. Despite the L you just can't sleep on Al-Bireh, they are relentless slashers, and rebound the heck out of the ball. Amir H is ABs Draymond Green strapped with a 3 ball, was 5 stat points away from a double double.

60-52


Ramallah - Khan Younis:

High Scoring game on both sides. KY grinded out a W. Ramallah's #1 pick Jay Mustafa poured in 22 PTS 8 REB 7 AST 3 STL 2 BLK, showing everyone why he was #1 pick. Khalied Saleh with a vintage 15 PTS 5 REB 2 AST 1 STL 1 BLK. Rookies M Assaf and K Musbeh have unlimited confidence, but shooting 10-28 is shoddy they need to improve their accuracy, or slash+pass more.

While KY's Joe Capone was 2 stat points away from a triple double shooting over 50% FG, rookie Muhammad Elhindi lit up the 3 ball notching 30 PTS on an impressive 8-13 3FG, total 11-19 FG. The rookie helped KY get their 1st dub.

78-77


Qalqilya - Qibya:

Another close game. QQ grinded out their first W by 7 points. Deep poured an efficient 18 points on 70% FG, alongside 3 STL and 3 REB. Shahzaib got his at 17 PTS 5 REB 4 AST. The teams offense looks pretty balanced on paper shooting a healthy 44% as a team.

Qibya's top 2 guys Aadil and Farhad combined 19 PTS 6-17 FG that simply needs to go up. Raj shot 60% and bagged 16 of his own. Despite dynamic challenges, Qibya shot a respectable 42% FG. Take care of the ball better, 8 team TO is a lot of potential possessions.

65-58


Al-Quds - Safad:

Another tight game. Safad with the L despite overcoming an 18 point deficit! M Deeb with an efficient 10 PTS 15 REB shooting over 50% FG. Heart of Safad, the Abbassi Trio are assertive and bring different talents. These talents include a tally of 28PTS 11-34 FG, 5 STL, 11 Reb. That 50%+ of total points scored and 33% of the team rebounds! They are just BUILT DIFFERENT. They willed their presence in the game despite shooting 30% from FG as a team. If they can be that resilient every Wednesday night, they are a top 6 team.

Despite AQ 8 TO they were able to seal a W with a respectable team FG 40%. Mahrooz with a silky 16 Points on 60% FG, 12 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL. Zain poured 23 points on a mind boggling 75% FG, 5 REB, 3 AST, 4 STL, 2 BLK. With Mahrooz and Zain being this efficient, realistically they just need a little more production out of the rest of the cast.

56-54


Al-Balah - Bethlehem:

What's that saying don't bring a knife to a gun fight? AB brought a plastic Spork and Bethlehem brought out Transformers. This game was rumored to be headed for disaster, as ABs Hassan and Singer were out. While its a blowout W for Bethlehem, chill out you were overpowered and they were undermanned.

I know its a blowout, but lets dive into the #'s.

Holy Bethlehem Batman, they shot 64.5% FG as a team, including a sizzling 9-21 3 Ball 43%. Great ball movement sharing, 19 total AST, and a league low 5 TO. Top contributors Jake W and Moe R with 20 points a piece.

Be careful... Bethlehem Bots Assemble!


92-56