Yassine Shines as Al-Rayyan Topple Al-Khitab in Thrilling Arab Basketball Championship Clash
Sara KhaledBasketball dynasties collided in Dubai as Abdullah Yassin, son of Qatari basketball legend Yassin Ahmed, led Al Rayyan to an 86-81 victory over Lebanon's Al Hikma. The Lebanese team featured Jad Al Khatib, whose father Fadi Al Khatib was a star for Lebanon's national team. This opening match of Group 4 kicked off the second round of the 37th Arab Club Basketball Championship at Al Nasr Club in Dubai.
The tournament, running until October 6th, showcases the region's top club talent across multiple groups. In Group 3's opener, Kuwait's Al Kadhima defeated Oman's Al Seeb 82-73, setting up what promises to be competitive group stage action.
Al Hikma looked strong early, taking a 19-14 first quarter lead. But Al Rayyan found their rhythm in the crucial second and fourth quarters, outscoring their opponents 22-16 and 21-17 respectively. The third quarter ended in a 29-29 deadlock, making those other two periods the difference maker.
**What's at stake here**
This championship brings together the Arab world's premier basketball clubs, creating a pathway for regional talent to shine on a bigger stage. For players like Abdullah Yassin, it's a chance to build on family legacy while establishing their own credentials.
The tournament structure means every game matters. Teams can't afford slow starts or extended cold streaks when facing this level of competition across multiple rounds.
**Looking ahead**
Sunday's fourth round matches will test both groups further. Group 3 features Yemen's Al Mina against Kuwait's Al Kadhima at 2 PM, followed by Oman's Al Seeb facing Qatar's Al Arabi at 4 PM.
Group 4 continues with Lebanon's Al Hikma taking on Oman's Al Bashayer at 6 PM, then Qatar's Al Rayyan meeting Syria's Al Wahda at 8 PM. These matchups will likely determine which teams advance and which face early elimination.
The Dubai venue provides a neutral setting for these regional rivalries, where family basketball legacies and national pride intersect on the court.
