Antonine defeated Al Ahli (Egypt) 85-74 in a competitive Club Friendship basketball match, using a decisive third-quarter run to take control and then holding off a late challenge. The win was built on balanced scoring, timely defensive stops and a strong response whenever Al Ahli threatened to close the gap.

Match overview

The first half was tightly contested, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to establish a significant lead. Antonine led 20-18 after the first quarter and 42-39 at halftime, capitalizing on patient offense and good ball movement. Al Ahli stayed close by attacking the paint and drawing fouls, but their inability to contain Antonine’s perimeter shooters proved costly after the break.

The third quarter was the turning point. Antonine outscored Al Ahli 25-16 in the period, stretching their lead to 67-55 heading into the fourth. Al Ahli made a push in the final minutes, but Antonine’s composure at the free-throw line sealed the result.

Key moments

Antonine opened the third quarter with a 10-0 run, forcing Al Ahli into a timeout. The surge was fueled by aggressive defense and quick ball reversal, creating open looks from beyond the arc. Al Ahli trimmed the deficit to five points midway through the fourth, but Antonine responded with a 7-0 run of their own, capped by a steal and a fast-break layup.

• Antonine’s third-quarter run proved to be the difference.
• Al Ahli cut the lead to five in the fourth but could not get closer.
• Antonine shot efficiently from the free-throw line in the closing minutes.

Tactical story

Antonine’s offense was at its best when the ball moved quickly. They used ball screens to create driving lanes and kick-out opportunities, and their guards did a good job of finding open shooters. Defensively, Antonine focused on limiting Al Ahli’s inside touches, forcing the Egyptian side to rely more on contested mid-range shots.

Al Ahli’s strength was their physicality in the paint, and they kept the game close early by crashing the offensive glass. However, Antonine’s defensive adjustments in the second half reduced those second-chance points. Al Ahli also struggled with turnovers during Antonine’s decisive third-quarter run, which allowed the game to swing.

Standout performers

Antonine’s backcourt controlled the game with timely shooting and smart decision-making, while their big men protected the rim and finished around the basket. Al Ahli’s frontcourt was their most consistent threat, scoring through contact and keeping the team within striking distance. In the end, Antonine’s balance and late-game execution proved too much.

Season impact

The 85-74 victory gives Antonine a confidence-boosting Club Friendship win and highlights their ability to close out competitive games. For Al Ahli (Egypt), the loss is a useful learning experience, particularly in managing turnovers and defensive rotations under pressure. Both teams showed enough quality to suggest they will be competitive in future fixtures.