DOHA, April 16, 2018 - Nicholas Stover scored a game high 42 points as three-time runners-up Al Arabi cruised past Al Khor 80-63 to book a semi-final showdown against Al Shamal in the Emir Cup Basketball Championship on Sunday.
The two teams qualified in fifth and sixth positions after the group stages. The game was a one-sided affair from the tip-off as Al Arabi went up 10-2 after five minutes, extending their lead to 19-9 at the end of the first quarter.
The reigning Qatar Basketball League champions widened the lead at the end of the first period to 40-29. Khalid Abdi chipped in with 16 points and six boards for the Dream Team who led with 17 fast break points and 11 from turnovers.
Al Khor shot miserably from the field, connecting on just 24-of-80 shots attempted while shooting 46 percent from the free throw line. Dominic Montes Lacy finished with a team high 23 points to go with eight rebounds in 35 minutes.
Khobi Williamson recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Al Khor had four players in single digits to sum up a bad night in front of the basket.
In the other quarter-final game, Al Wakrah ran out 72-63 victorious against former double champions Al Sadd Club.
Al Wakrah opened a 13-0 lead in the first five minutes of the tie. Demarius Bolds led all scorers with 29 points as two other players finished in double digits for the winners.
Al Wakrah qualified top of Group 2 and are yet to lose in the competition as they take on Al Gharafa in the semi-finals. Al Sadd managed to comeback in the game as they went on a 12 points run to tie at 60-60 in the fourth quarter but A Wakrah pulled away to scotch any hopes of comeback the rivals had.
Darrius Oldham finished with a team high 20 points as he endured a poor shooting night making just six of his attempted 17 shots. Babacar Dieng chipped in 13 points while Nasser al Reyes dropped 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Wolves. The semi-finals will be held on April 18 at the Al Gharafa Sports Club Indoor Hall.