Naft Al Shamal 34 – 90 Al Difaa Aljawie
Iraq Premier League | May 16, 2026 | Kirkuk

Al Difaa Aljawie crush Naft Al Shamal in dominant road win

Al Difaa Aljawie delivered a ruthlessly efficient performance, demolishing Naft Al Shamal 90–34 in an Iraq Premier League basketball fixture. The visitors controlled every facet of the game from start to finish, holding their hosts to just 34 points — the lowest total of the season for Naft Al Shamal.

Match overview

Right from the opening quarter, Al Difaa Aljawie imposed their will on both ends of the floor. Their full‑court press forced multiple turnovers, converting them into easy fast‑break points. Naft Al Shamal struggled to find any offensive rhythm, shooting poorly from the field and failing to contain the visitors’ inside game. The halftime score read 48–15 in favor of Al Difaa Aljawie.

Key moments

• First‑quarter blitz: Al Difaa Aljawie opened with a 22‑4 run, establishing a lead that would never be threatened. Naft Al Shamal’s shooters missed their first eight attempts from the field.
• Defensive masterclass: The visitors’ center recorded 5 blocks and 3 steals in the first half alone, disrupting every Naft Al Shamal drive. The home side managed only two field goals in the second quarter.
• Bench dominance: Al Difaa Aljawie’s reserves outscored Naft Al Shamal’s entire roster 38–12, showcasing the team’s depth and conditioning.

Standout performers

Al Difaa Aljawie’s shooting guard exploded for 24 points, hitting 6 of 9 from three‑point range. Their point guard orchestrated the offence with 12 assists and 5 steals, while the power forward added a double‑double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. For Naft Al Shamal, only one player reached double figures with 10 points, but he struggled with 4 turnovers.

Impact on the standings

This comprehensive victory moves Al Difaa Aljawie up in the Iraq Premier League table, reinforcing their reputation as one of the league’s top defensive units. Naft Al Shamal, meanwhile, face a serious soul‑searching after their worst offensive output of the campaign. They will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for a tough away trip to face Al Shorta.