Al-Ahli's first basketball team achieved a valuable and well-deserved victory over their traditional rival, Al-Ittihad, with a score of 86-73, in the strong match that brought the two giants together last night (Monday) at the Ministry of Sports Hall in Jeddah Governorate, as part of the postponed match of the Saudi Premier Basketball League.
Details of Al-Ahly's dominance in the derby
The match was highly competitive from the start, but Al-Ahli managed to impose their own rhythm and control the flow of the game for most of the match. Al-Ahli clearly benefited from their high level of tactical discipline and solid defense, which limited the effectiveness of Al-Ittihad's key players. They also relied on teamwork and ball circulation to disrupt the opponent's defense, enabling them to widen the gap and secure a 13-point victory.
The importance of winning the race for the lead
This victory is a pivotal step for Al Ahly in their quest to compete for the league title this season. Winning derby matches not only impacts the points gained in the standings but also provides a tremendous morale boost for the players, coaching staff, and fans. With this result, Al Ahly strengthened their position in the league table, keeping their hopes of winning the championship alive amidst fierce competition from the top teams.
History and status of Saudi basketball
The basketball matches between Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad, known as the "Jeddah Derby," hold special significance and historical importance. Basketball is the second most popular sport in the Kingdom after football, and both teams boast a large fan base that typically fills the stands of the Green Hall in Jeddah. This encounter comes at a time when Saudi sports are witnessing remarkable development and significant support, which has raised the level of competition and the standard of both professional and local players in the Premier League.
Expected impact on competition
This victory is expected to have a significant impact on the remaining rounds of the league, intensifying the battle for the top four. For Al-Ittihad, a historically dominant force in the Kingdom, the loss will force the team to reassess its strategy and quickly return to winning ways to secure a high ranking in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Al-Ahli will try to capitalize on this momentum to continue their winning streak in the crucial upcoming rounds.
