Muslim Basketball

Heartbreaking loss after battling without Mahdy and almost pulling it off. Missed FTs down the stretch were killer in letting Rafah hang around. However, the defense looked incredible, Rafah couldn’t generate any space. The offense was a little iso heavy but Moatze and Baraa showed enough flashes to be confident in Al-Khalil’s shotmaking once Mahdy is back in the fold.

Another impressive victory for Al-Khalil whose winning formula has been  surprisingly effective. The team is full of strong defenders and they got 7-8 points from 4 players, all much needed in a close game. Mahdy, with 35 on 13-25, is playing like an MVP and when he gets a running start, it seems like no one can stop him or box him out.

Sometimes the answer is simple and Mahdy being the best player on the court was enough to pull it out in OT. Safad had no plan for him and he moved freely all game. Don’t overlook the support, though. Omar Sehwail made big plays and Heemy had a huge stop to close out the game. They’ll need to repeat this formula next week.

Lots of promising signs from the new look Al-Khalil after some reshuffling. Mahdy with 29 has become regular, but new addition Muhammad Elhindi adding in 5 buckets of his own and Omar Sehwail neutralizing Luis in his season debut give this team something to build on. The team might rely heavily on Mahdy but if no one can stop him, it won’t matter.

MB Insider Towfeek Hamza has reported that this team has done some reshuffling and personnel changes, so won’t harp on their game one box score.