Assalamu-ai-laikum!

By the Grace of Allah, we have completed the first official season game for AOBL last Sunday, October 20, 2013! Both games were exciting with one being an overtime thriller with several game-thrilling moments. 

To see individual statistics, go to "Standings" on the left hand side and then select "Statistics Leaders" beside "Category" (located above the wins/losses)

The statistic abbreviations are as follows:

1. PT = Points
2. FGM = Field Goals Made (Shots Made)
3. FGA = Field Goals Attempted (Shots Taken)
4. FTA = Free Throws Attempted
5. FTM = Free Throws Made
6. FT% = Free Throw Percentage
7. STL = Steals
8. BLK = Blocks
9. AST = Assists
10. OFF = Offensive Rebounds (Not accounted for)
11. DEF = Defensive Rebounds (all rebounds are DEF)
12. TOT = Total Rebounds

The following are game highlights and individual statistics for both games:

Sadaqat wins close OT battle with Rafaqat! Sadaqat [57] - Rafaqat [52]

The game between Rafaqat and Sadaqatwas one for the books. Despite the new lineups for both teams since last year's draft, the rematch of the championship finals teams made it an even sweeter victory for Sadaqat. Sadaqat came off with an early lead in the first half, being up by more than 15 points nearing half time. The pick and rolling Sadaqat broke down the Rafaqat defence with ease and were on their way to a steam rolling victory. However, even without their fearless captain - Qaid Sahib (Awais Mehmood), the strong-willed Rafaqat knew their weakness and made immediate changes to strengthen their defence. Rafaqat made their way back into the game with Murabbi Sahib - Imtiaz Ahmed, providing strong determination and strong defence, Faizan Khan playing an all around excellent game with a double double (12 points, 10 rebounds) and Shayaan Chaudhary providing much needed quickness and resilience off the bench. Despite being able to match the strong starting lineup of Sadaqat consisting of Daanish Malik, Valeed Malik and Faizan Sadiq, it was Raheel Ahmed with an outstanding opening rookie game with 14 points of 7/9 shooting. Fawad Khan provided Rafaqat with some game-tying shots in the last minute of the game to force the game into OT but it was a combination of foolish mistakes on Rafaqat's side and Daanish "Sharpshooter" Malik who sealed the deal with flawless free throws down the stretch of OT to win the game for Sadaqat. The potential for both teams is quite vast, however, it will be pleasant to see how Rafaqat plays with Qaid Sahib - Awais Mehmood, Abdul Qudoos Chaudhary, and Emad "LockdownD" Ryan back in the lineup in the near future.

Date: October 20, 2013     Time: 9:00am      Venue: School Property

Blowout victory taken by Amanat! Amanat [57]- Shujaat [35]

 It was a long season forAmanat last year - it seemed as though their team had the perfect pieces in place for a strong championship run but fell short of their potential in the first playoff game. This year, with some major changes to the team roster under the same captain Muneer Khan, Amanat has shown that they are all about winning now. Amanat had taken an early lead in the starting half and never lost their lead in the game. The newly recruited Shahjehan Ahmed provided energy and enthusiasm as a fearless shooter for Amanat and showed signs of excellent defence with 4 steals (current league leader in steals). Unfortunately, with both teams having no subs, it was a battle of fitness and will and Amanat simply showed no signs of weakness. Shujaat needs to look to improve their running game and defence if they wish to contend with teams that have already been established as contenders in AOBL. Captain Shakeel "Mamba" Nazir had an off-night with 6/35 shooting but continued to tirelessly battle for Shujaat till the last minute of the game gathering himself 4 assists, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Bilal Ahmad and Ismael Durrani showed signs of being big potential threats in the low-post for Shujaat but will need to continue working with their teammates to find more open opportunities. Faateh "RainingThrees" Malik pitched in with 12 points from long distance while collecting 4 rebounds for his respective Shujaat. Naeem Chaudhary of Amanat showed flashes of brilliance with his excellent all around game of 25 points and 6 rebounds. Captain Muneer Khan continued to show his dominance in this game with an outstanding stat line: 26 points, 25 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 5 assists! His determination was evident on the court where there was no answer to his control over the game. The team chemistry of Amanat has already taken off and it will be scary to watch how good the combination of these players may become in the future. Meanwhile, Shujaat has the key pieces to contend at the championship level; however, it will be up to the captain and players to figure out how to effectively utilize their abilities while developing stamina to run with other teams.

Date: October 20, 2013     Time: 10:00am      Venue: School Property

May Allah bless the efforts of all Khuddam and Atfal brothers who have sacrificed their time for the success of the this league - Ameen!

Wassalam,

Fawad