KUWAIT (FIBA Asia Champions Cup) - Former champions Al Rayyan of Qatar sent a couple of warning signals to their rivals in the fray, posting a 92-48 win against Indonesian combination MABU Hangtuah, in their opening game of the Group ‘A’ preliminary league of the 19th FIBA Asia Champions Cup on Thursday.

More than the margin of victory, a rather correct reflection of the proceedings on the court, what must have pleased Rayyan coach Brian Lester immensely was the manner in which his combination worked with wonted rhythm.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better start,” the Australian said fighting hard to hide his excitement.

“We were expected to win, but I’m really glad the way our plays worked out. Also I think our team was rather professional not to allow any kind of complacency to set it.”

Rayyan’s win also marked the return to their ranks of their popular American point guard Eric Chatfield, after a stint with Turkish club Darussafaka.

“It was heartening to see Eric click straightaway,” Lester said.

Chatfield played his role almost impeccably returning 18 points and more importantly recording nine assists.

“Unfortunately we are yet to get the clearance for the other import (forward Dalron Johnson also an American who played alongside Chatfield in Turkey). That’s exactly what will complete our preparations,” he said.

“I think this kind of a win acts as a good warm up for the next big games.”

Seasoned campaigner Yasseen Musa, the MVP of the game, was the spearhead of the Rayyan onslaught top scoring the game with 25 points, besides collecting two rebounds and steals apiece. He was also instrumental in three assists.

“It was a nice way to start the campaign,” the tall forward said. “In a competition like this, it’s very important for a win at the start in order to boost our confidence. I think we have achieved that. Now we can look forward to the next games lot more assuredly,” Musa said.

Scores
Al Rayyan, Qatar 92 (Yasseen Musa 25, Eric Chatfield 18, Khalid Abdi 12) bt MABU Hangtuah 48 (Hapsak Medeka Putra 20). Quarterwise: 27-15, 56-33, 77-37.

S Mageshwaran
FIBA Asia