Ittihad downed Wehdah 56-52 to clinch the championship in the Saudi Basketball Playoffs at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal sports complex here Friday. It was Ittihad's 9th playoff title and its 43rd championship overall. Ittihad started slow but played good defense and finished the first quarter, trailing 12-15. The battle was on with Wehdah fighting hard to keep the lead ending the half with Ittihad gaining a slight advantage 28-26. The game progressed with Wehdah attacking the paint and wresting the lead in the third 39-36. Ittihad played good defence in the fourth and pulled off a thrilling win by just four points. High scorers for Ittihad were Donald Cole with 11, Mohammed Hassan 19 and Methena Hassan 14. For Wehdah, Tyler Amaya had 19 and Hamdi Braa 13. Ahil edged out Ansar 80-78 to take third place. The stars of playoffs The 18th Saudi Basketball Federation Playoffs unveiled some amazing talent. To start with Fath's point guard Mohammed Sagaf can do it all, steal , pass, rebound, shoot and he is unstoppable going to the basket. Ohud' Abdul Mohsen at 49 years old is still leading the team, stealing, passing and hitting the three when needed. Waleed Al-Medani is a great rebounder. He hits the three, and is one of the best shot blockers. Ayoub Essa is a fast foward who beats the defense at will. Ahli has veteran Khaled Falatah who is one of the best three-point shooters in the league. Mohammed Musa is an excelent rebounder, shooter and penertrater. Ayman Bilal, originally from Ansar, has been one of the top guards the last three years. Wehdah's Saleh Tacroni has been dominating the boards. He is strong and high scorer for years. Now with Rashad Suri helping in the paint and Hessam Badwadi showing defensive wares Wehdah has a team to build on. Ittihad has Mohammed Hassan, a great shot blocker, rebounder and scorer in the middle. Ayman Al-Medani at foward blocks shots, and hits the three. Jaber Al-Kabri and Yaya Iberheim are top penertrating guards. Methena Hassan is emerging as a good point guard with fast moves to the basket and relays passes, and collects rebounds. __
