Muslim Basketball

There was actually a point when I thought Haifa would win. I should know better at this point, especially when Mahrooz turns up. He had 29 points on 11-17 shooting, and Singer threw in a monster of a stat-line (15pts, 10reb, 9ast) almost getting a triple-double. Araiz had 10 points and I know he’s feeling real good right about now. This game was a lot closer than it should’ve been, I’ll chalk that up to key starters being missing. 

This was a win that felt like a loss. They held a double digit lead for a long time, but blew it, letting the game go to OT. Mohamed Albana (19pts, 13reb) and Aymen (13pts. 11reb) led the way for this team while Sean had 19 for himself. This is still a great team in my opinion, but this close game humanizes them a bit. 

Going up 4v5 for seven minutes against a larger Rafah team and still ending up tied by the time Parker entered the game, not to mention he also fouled out, and then clawing back and pushing this game to OT? Gagan had 35 while Parker had 18. This team has been struggling with attendance all season. I have no doubt in my mind they could’ve won if they had a bench. 

The real win here is not having to spend money on tolls to get to the game. 

Whatever this team planned for the game, worked. They held Mo Amin down and barely let Deir Al-Balah breathe, despite missing their big. Shoutout Lil O, having a nice game for himself with 22 points on 9-15 shooting. Islam (13pts) and Fursan (11pts, 10reb) also helped secure the win. 

Khan Yunis was pushed to the edge this game, going all the way to the wire. Iyaad had 27, but you can tell they were missing their big men in Mairaj and Yazan. They were out-rebounded 19-36. It was a rough game, and I can imagine they’re grateful they escaped with a win.  

Availability is the best quality, and we know that without Daishon, there’s an easy formula to beat this team. It was a good day for Ahmed Sakar, who had 12 points on 6-9 shooting. Mo also had a good game, having 10 points and 8 rebounds, but there’s only so much one can do when everyone else gets shut down. Daishon opens the floor, and makes this team deadly, without him, they’re another middle of the pack squad. 

They took the lead and never looked back. Shafic wasn’t slipping this time, having a good 16 points. This was a much needed win to get their season back on track. Especially with Mana coming back, they look to end the regular season on a positive note. 

I don’t have many things to say, other than almost losing to Shatila when they had the majority of their team is concerning. Ibraheem went for 17 points, and Usman continues to improve this season, having 16. Shahrukh Bari had 12 rebounds and 4 steals, which helped them close out this game. 

They were shorthanded this week, yet still lost by 2. Husan went crazy, going for 34 points on 10-21 shooting. The rest of the guys did what they could, but only so much you can do when you’re down two starters. 

This Baysan team has won 3 of their last 4 games, and they’re hot right now. Sheff continues to have a great season, going for 18 points and 8 rebounds. He’s a really efficient shooter and also hustles every second he gets, not to mention drawing fouls. They have a chance to go positive to end the season this upcoming week. 

Okay Bir Seb’a! I see you guys, and I’m pretty sure now everyone else does too. Ryan is continuing to go on his tear since coming back, going for 18 points on 8-19 shooting. Abdullah put in 14 and Matthew had 13 and 9 reb. I’ve said before, this team is sneaky good, and manages to stay in games. With Omar Khan, I can imagine this game could’ve been won. They’re dangerous and probably the best of the worst teams. 

I thought they’d capitalize last weeks performance this week against a Mana-less Nazareth. I have to say that this teams ball dominant players are hurting them, the three went a combined 15-50 the game. I’d like to have seen Mohamed Soliman shoot more—he kept them in the game last week, its criminal for them to only have him take 3 shots. 

Have to give this squad major props for giving Tiberias problems. We haven’t seen them bothered all season, and this team managed to do just that. Elton finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Desar had 14. This game was a lot closer than the score tells, so if they come out hot like they did this game, they may be able to give Tulkarem problems. 

In a low scoring slugfest of a game, I thought they could’ve pulled through. When Omar was doing well, you have to run the offense through him. Simple as that. 

They saw they had Yazur this week, who’re coming off a loss, and decided to take the day off.