Egypts Al Ittihad Alexandria Club gave their compatriots back home something to cheer about by emerging victorious in the 22nd Dubai International Basketball Championships for the Emirates NBD Cup concluded at Al Ahli Sports Hall in Dubai on Saturday night.
The Egyptian side from Alexandria, who are have been regulars in this competition, rallied in the third quarter to beat the more fancied Smart Gilas from the Philippines 84-73 in the final.
Syrias Al Wahda claimed third place after their opponents from Lebanon Sagesse failed to turn up for the playoff.
The Dubai Duty Free backed Smart Gilas, who defeated Hoops Club of Lebanon 86-69 in the semifinal, were ahead in the opening quarters 23-21 23-15.
But the First Security Group sponsored Ittihad, fought back in the next two quarters 24-11 27-18 to win the title.
UAE and Al Sharjah lost in the group stages.
In group A, UAE lost to Hoops from Lebanon 88-69, Sagesse 90-69 and Al Ittihad Alexandria from Syriya 73-70.
In group B, Al Sharjah lost to El Ettehad El Sakandary 85-77, Syrias Al Wahda 77-70 and Smart Gilas 92-67.
Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Ismail Gergawi, president of the UAE Basketball Association, distributed the awards.
africabasket.com