Joy for Hoops, defeat for Al Ittihad
Hoops won a second straight game, 88-86 against Arab champions Al Ittihad Alexandria, turning it in a 30-18 third quarter.
Hoops of Lebanon recorded a second consecutive win, 88-86 against Arab champions Al Ittihad Alexandria. The third period was the turning point, the Lebanese side taking it 30-18 to move 68-61 ahead after Al Ittihad Alexandria had held the advantage in the second. The fourth swung back and forth, with three ties, until Hoops settled it in the last seven seconds, leaving the Arab champions fourth in Group A.
The win took Hoops to four points, while Al Ittihad Alexandria suffered a third consecutive defeat, leaving more than one question mark over their modest showing in the tournament so far.
Hoops coach: our motto is that every match is a final
Jad El Hajj, the Hoops coach, said his team plays every match as though it were a tournament final, and that the motto creates enthusiasm and strength in the players.
He said he was content with his team's performance, although at points during the match its level dipped — something that happens in basketball.
He noted that beating Al Ittihad Alexandria, the Arab champions, would give Hoops a strong push through the rest of the matches and a chance to compete for the top of Group A, having won two games.
On Al Ittihad Alexandria he said it was clear that Ismail Ahmed and Marvel Harris had not settled into the team as required, and that their performance would improve with time.
