The Iraq Premier League delivered another night of compelling basketball action as Al Difaa Aljawie defeated Sabis 83–73 on May 22, 2026, in a contest that showcased the home side's resilience and tactical discipline. The victory strengthened Al Difaa Aljawie's position in the league standings, while Sabis was left to rue a slow start that proved costly in the final quarter.

Match Overview

Al Difaa Aljawie entered the game with confidence, playing on their home court before an engaged crowd. From the opening tip-off, they set a physical tone, particularly in the paint, where their forwards dominated the boards. Sabis, known for their fast-break style, struggled to find rhythm early as the home side's zone defense forced turnovers and rushed shots. By halftime, Al Difaa Aljawie held a comfortable 44–36 lead.

The third quarter saw Sabis fight back, cutting the deficit to five points with a 10–2 run, but Al Difaa Aljawie responded with disciplined half-court sets and timely three-point shooting. The final period became a battle of attrition, and the home team's depth ultimately prevailed, outscoring Sabis 20–16 in the last ten minutes to seal the 10-point victory.

Key Moments

• First-quarter surge: Al Difaa Aljawie opened with a 14–6 run, setting the tone for the night.
• Mid-game resistance: Sabis closed the second quarter with a 9–2 burst to stay within striking distance.
• Clutch defense: With five minutes remaining and Sabis within six, Al Difaa Aljawie forced three consecutive misses and converted on the other end.
• Free-throw execution: The home side connected on 18 of 22 free throws in the fourth quarter, effectively icing the game.

Standout Players

For Al Difaa Aljawie, the guard combination of Mohammed Al-Saadi and Hassan Jassim proved decisive. Al-Saadi finished with a game-high 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting, adding 7 assists. Jassim contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring both ends of the floor. Sabis was led by veteran forward Ali Kareem, who posted 22 points and 8 rebounds, but lacked consistent support from his teammates after early foul trouble limited their rotation.

Season Impact

With this result, Al Difaa Aljawie improved to 12–6 on the season, firmly in the playoff hunt in the competitive Iraq Premier League. Sabis dropped to 9–9, slipping into the middle of the table and needing to tighten their defensive schemes if they hope to climb back into contention. The head-to-head advantage now belongs to Al Difaa Aljawie, who will look to build momentum when they face league leaders Al Shorta next week.

Game Notes

• Attendance: estimated 2,100 at the Al-Quds Arena in Baghdad.
• Al Difaa Aljawie outrebounded Sabis 42–35.
• Sabis turned the ball over 17 times, compared to 11 for the home team.
• Fast-break points: Sabis 16, Al Difaa Aljawie 8.