By Sophie Mosleh
The first game of the International Basketball Championship started at the Sport City Center in Amman on Wednesday night between Egypt’s Olympic National team and Bulgaria’s Yombulgas.
Both teams eased into the game with care, as they weren’t familiar with each other’s techniques, but Bulgaria managed to increase the level of endurance during the first-half, giving them an early lead 38-32 against Egypt.
However, during the second-half, the mood and spirit changed as the Egyptians struggled and fought to prove themselves against the more experienced Bulgarians, tying the score at 76 apiece, with only two minutes left of the game.
Yombulgas’ greater level of experience helped them break the tie by scoring a foul shot whilst Egypt, who were given the same opportunity, failed perhaps as a result of nerves and badluck.
Stronger Team Al-Ahly Wins, Jazira Look for Another Chance
Egyptian team Al-Ahly came into the game very strongly and quickly took the lead at 5-0 within the first-quarter, but soon after, perhaps due to the rapturous chanting of the Jazira fans, Jazira managed to turn the tables round and take control of the game, leading 18-13.
Their happy spirit did not last long, however, as Al-Ahly derived a new technique which relied solely on shooting three-pointers to lift up their scoring difference, and Jazira, trying to compensate for the large difference in scoring, shot two-pointers.
Jazira, though having lost the game, managed to succeed in doing this by closing the match with a 12-point difference and a 69-81 final score.
Two matches will be held at Sport City on Thursday night:
Al Ansar [Saudi Arabia] Vs Zas Tava [Yugoslavia] 6:15 p.m. [local time]
Al Ahli [Jordan] Vs Al Itihad [Syria] 8:30 p.m. [local time]
A Unique Opening Ceremony
A marvelous display of shimmering lights, laser projections, colored plastic tubes shooting from wind-blowing barrels like missiles, fireworks and blasting music from the massive speakers, all made the opening ceremony of the International Basketball Championship both unique and exciting for the almost-filled audience including royal guest Prince Hamzah bin Hussein and organizers of the Visa promotional campaign.
A different song boomed through the speakers and the hall almost vibrated with rhythm as every team was introduced to the crowd – country by country – each displaying a series of techniques and dribbles to gain points from the rapturous crowd who showed their appreciation by cheering wildly and pounding instruments – Albawaba.com
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
