Three-pointers played a crucial role in helping Al Ahli Youth secure a hard-fought five-point victory (88-83) over hosts Sharjah in the fifth round of the 'Play-Off' return stage, part of the semi-finals of the UAE General League Basketball Championship. In the same round, Al-Nasr defeated Al-Bataih (86-76). Al Ahli Youth players made 10 successful three-pointers (30 points), with international Omar Al-Amri, Qais Omar, and Hamid Abdul Latif, alongside American professionals DeShondre Washington and Bryon Allen, sharing the scoring. In contrast, Sharjah players managed only five three-pointers. Al Ahli Youth dominated the first and second quarters (27-21 and 22-21), while Sharjah failed to mount a comeback despite winning the third and fourth quarters (23-22 and 18-17). Meanwhile, Al-Bataih squandered a chance to lead after the first quarter (26-23) before Al-Nasr regained its balance in the second and third quarters (27-15 and 19-17). Al Ahli Youth strengthened its lead in the 'Play-Off' standings with a perfect record of 10 points, two points ahead of Al-Nasr in second place. Sharjah dropped to third with seven points, two points behind Al-Bataih in fourth. The four teams will compete in the sixth and final 'Play-Off' round the day after tomorrow, with Al-Nasr visiting Al Ahli Youth, and the neighbors Al-Bataih and Sharjah facing off at the latter's court.
