Bangura top-scored for Qadsia in the Quarterfinals

Alpha Bangura

The hosting Qadsia and its Alpha Bangura (197-F/G-80, college: St.John's) had to leave the Asia Champions Cup early after they were held off by Riyadi in the quarterfinal. The team did not make it to the semis of the tournament with 80:91 loss.
The hosts had somehow unconvincing performance during the preliminary round and finished their Pool just at the 4th spot. Thus they had to face the top-seeded Riyadi in the opening round of the knockout stage. Qadsia threw everything they have to keep competitive in this one. They were supported by a sell-out crowd and looked ready to challenge the Lebanese outfit from the start. The teams traded baskets at the start but the experienced Riyadi squad found the way to enjoy a 22:19 lead after the starting frame. Qadsia remained close throughout the second period with Alpha Bangura leading the charge for the hosts. Riyadi however did not allow the home team to step in front and completed the first half up by 4 points. The breakthrough for the visitors came early in the third stanza as Omar Turk and Ali Mahmoud converted some fastbreaks and Riyadi jumped to a 66:54 lead. Qadsia ran out of steam in the fourth stanza as they never threatened the advantage seriously allowing Riyadi to coast to an overall victory. Fadi El Khatib provided 28 points to pace the winners. Ahmad Ismail knocked down 24 points, while Omar Turk scored 17 in a win. Alpha Bangura dropped 24 points for Qadsia. Abdul Aziz Mohammad added 15 points in a losing effort. So now Riyadi will take on the Cup defending champions SABA Battery in the semifinal tomorrow.