Al-Ittihad player dribbles the ball past Al-Qadsiya player.

KUWAIT CITY, March 26: The Al-Qadsiya basketball team faced its second defeat against Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad Club, losing 88-74 in the third match of the Asian Gulf Zone (Super League) title competition. The match took place at the Basketball Association Hall in the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Complex. Al-Ittihad secured qualification by winning two of the three playoff matches, as per the tournament’s rules.

Despite the setback, Al-Qadsiya still has a chance to advance to the Asian Champions League quarter-finals. They must defeat Bahrain's Manama in their upcoming match on April 7 in Bahrain to secure the eighth and final spot in the Asian League.

Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad will face Shabab Al-Ahli from the Emirates in a playoff series for the Gulf Super League title. The series will follow a best-of-three format, with matches scheduled for April 8, 15, and 22. The winner will advance to the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League, ensuring both Al-Ittihad and Shabab Al-Ahli a place in the prestigious competition.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff