Strong fixtures close the league's preliminary stage
Five matches in round 18 bring the preliminary stage of the men's league to an end on Thursday.
The preliminary stage of the UAE men's basketball league closes on Thursday with five matches in round 18.
In the leading fixture, Shabab Al Ahli host Al Nasr, aiming to take sole possession of top spot and pull clear of Sharjah.
Shabab Al Ahli, who beat Al Wasl last round, lead the table on 33 points, level with Sharjah, while Al Nasr are third on 31.
Sharjah host Al Wahda to consolidate their position at the top, seeking another win after beating Al Jazira last round; Al Wahda are ninth on 20 points.
In a heavyweight fixture Bani Yas travel to Al Bataeh, who are buoyed by their win over Al Wahda that lifted them to 28 points in fourth.
Bani Yas want to stop the slide after losing to Al Dhafra last round, though they remain sixth on 24 points.
Al Dhafra travel to Al Ain intent on continuing their run, having climbed to seventh on 23 points thanks to last week's win over Bani Yas, while Al Ain sit bottom on just 17.
Al Wasl, fifth on 25 points, look to correct course after losing to Shabab Al Ahli, and travel to Al Jazira.
Al Wasl have 25 points in fifth; Al Jazira, eighth on 21, will be trying to win after losing to Sharjah.
All matches tip off at the same time, 19:00 UAE time.
The results of this round will determine the eight teams reaching the quarter-finals of the UAE basketball league, which begin in the middle of this month.
