Al-Ittihad defeats Al-Ahli and gifts Al-Ula the basketball league title for the first time
In a dramatic night that captivated Saudi basketball fans, Al-Ittihad's first basketball team secured a thrilling and well-deserved victory over their arch-rivals, Al-Ahli, with a score of 82-76. This fiery encounter, part of the decisive round of the Saudi Basketball Premier League, was more than just a win in the famous Jeddah derby; it was a seismic shift that altered the course of the league title race in the final moments.
Details of the exciting West Derby
The Ministry of Sports hall in Jeddah witnessed a large crowd, as the match was characterized by its competitiveness and excitement from the very first minute. Al-Ahli entered the game with their sights set on victory and the title, but Al-Ittihad, despite being out of contention for the championship, played with a high fighting spirit to defend their pride in the derby. Both teams displayed impressive skill, exchanging the lead throughout the four quarters of the match, before Al-Ittihad managed to impose their control in the crucial minutes thanks to their high level of concentration and solid defense, securing the victory by a margin of 6 points.
Al-Ula is making history in a big way
The biggest beneficiary of this epic competition was Al-Ula Club, which was officially crowned champion of the Saudi Basketball Premier League this season. This achievement is a historic and unprecedented event, as Al-Ula succeeded in claiming the gold and winning the league title for the first time in its history since the club's founding. This triumph crowns the tremendous administrative and technical efforts exerted by the rising star in Saudi sports, confirming that the landscape of Saudi basketball competition is beginning to change and expand to include new powerhouses outside the traditional major cities.
The balance of power in Saudi basketball has shifted
This event carries profound implications for the development of basketball in Saudi Arabia. After years of dominance by specific clubs like Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli, Al-Ula's victory reflects the significant support and attention the Ministry of Sports is giving to clubs across the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030, which aims to raise the level of competitiveness in the sports sector. Al-Ula's emergence as a new champion enhances the league's market and technical value, and ignites competition for future seasons, as emerging clubs have proven their ability to challenge and even surpass the established giants.
In conclusion, this season will remain in our minds as one of the most exciting seasons in the history of Saudi basketball, as Al-Ittihad played the role of "kingmaker" by defeating Al-Ahli, bringing joy to the city of Al-Ula and its fans who are celebrating today an achievement written in gold.
