Al Wahda of Syria defeated Al Nasr 85-73 in the opening match of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Basketball Tournament inaugurated last night at Rashid bin Hamdan indoor sports hall.
| Hadrian Hernandez/Gulf News Al Nasr Club of UAE (blue jersey) and Al Wahda of Syria clash in the opening match |
The Syrians led by American players Eddi Washington and Terrence Woods dominated the match from the beginning without letting the lead slip from their grip.
They led in the four quarters of the match, supported by the Syrian community in the UAE.
Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, who attended the opening ceremony, declared the tournament's official opening.
Abdul Rahman Abu Al Shawareb, the tournament's manager, welcomed the participating clubs and wished them a good stay in Dubai and Fair Play.
"We are very happy to host our brothers and friends from Arab and Asian countries.
"In this tournament the most important thing is the exchange of friendship and consolidation of the Fair Play. I hope you return to your countries with excellent memories about Dubai."
The Syrians won the first quarter 26-18 and the second 46-34.
The third was also won by Al Wahda 66-65 and they won the match 85-73.
Eddi Washington scored 24 points and Terrence Wood 23 for Al Wahda and Mohammad Sherrif 14.
Qasim Mohammad did well with the hosts, scoring 19 points. The professional players were not in good form.
American Prentice McGruder scored 18 points and Senegalese Ndogo Ndiaye scored 12.
Today's matches: At 5 pm Al Wasl UAE v Al Riyadhi Lebanon. At 7 pm Saba Iran v Al Ittihad Syria. At 9 pm Champville Lebanon v Lhuiller Philippines.
