QBF President Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaseeb applauds as Al Arabi players celebrate with the trophy.
Doha, Qatar: Al Arabi were crowned champions of the 13th Qatar Basketball Cup (2025–2026) after defeating Al Shamal 77-71 at Al Gharafa Hall yesterday, sealing their fifth title and third consecutive triumph.
Al Arabi took early control, dominating the first quarter 24–13 with strong defensive pressure and forcing turnovers. Al Shamal responded in the second quarter, tightening their defence and improving tempo to edge it 21-17 and cut the halftime deficit.
After the break, Al Arabi regained control through disciplined rotations and balanced scoring, winning the third quarter 21-16 to rebuild their advantage. The final quarter witnessed a spirited fightback from Al Shamal, who won the period 21-15 and closed the gap, but Al Arabi held firm in key moments to secure the victory.
The win moves Al Arabi to a record five Qatar Basketball Cup titles, surpassing Al Gharafa’s four. Qatar SC, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah each hold one title.
Al Shamal’s Tyree Crump led all scorers with 36 points, while Al Arabi’s Elmedin Kikanović top-scored for his side with 28.
Following the match, Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), Sheikh Tamim bin Fahd Al Thani, President of Al Arabi Club, Abdullah Shamsan Al Sada, Vice President of Al Shamal Club, and Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Federation, presented the trophy and gold medals to the champions
The champions were presented with the trophy and gold medals by Qatar Basketball Federation officials and club representatives, along with a prize of QR 600,000. Al Shamal received silver medals and QR 400,000.
Al Arabi reached the final after a dramatic 104-103 overtime win over Al Rayyan, while Al Shamal advanced by beating Al Wakrah 71-56 in the semi-finals.
