MUSCAT, NOV 1
Nizwa opened their 2026–2027 Oman Basketball League campaign with a commanding 111–36 victory over Salalah at the main hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
Winning all four quarters, Nizwa combined fluid attacking play with organised defending to collect their first two points of the competition. Their dominance was established early, with a 60–13 half-time lead leaving Salalah facing an uphill task.
Quick ball movement and effective positioning helped Nizwa take control from the outset. Salalah struggled to cope with their opponents’ defensive pressure and attacking pace as Nizwa surged into a 32–9 lead by the end of the opening quarter.
The second period widened the gap further. Nizwa maintained their scoring momentum while restricting Salalah to just four points, winning the quarter 28–4 to reach the interval with a 47-point advantage.
Salalah found little respite after the break as Nizwa continued to exploit openings and create scoring opportunities close to the basket. Another 28-point return, against Salalah’s nine, extended the lead to 88–22 heading into the final period.
With the result effectively settled, Salalah produced their best offensive quarter of the match, adding 14 points. However, Nizwa remained comfortably in control, scoring a further 23 to complete a comprehensive 75-point victory.
Nizwa’s consistency across the four periods underlined their superiority, with the team scoring at least 23 points in every quarter. Their defensive effort was equally decisive, particularly in the first half, when Salalah managed only 13 points.
For Salalah, the improved scoring after the interval offered limited encouragement, but their difficulties in containing Nizwa and building sustained attacks prevented them from making the contest more competitive.
