Damascus, July 26 (SANA)Al-WahdadefeatedAhli Aleppo82-75 on Saturday to take lead in theSyrian Men’s Basketball Leaguefinals after winning the opening game of the championship series in Damascus.

The hosts built a 45-35 halftime lead in a closely contested game atAl-Fayhaa Sports Hallbefore Ahli Aleppo fought back in the second half, cutting the deficit and briefly taking the lead at stages of the third and fourth quarters.

Al-Wahda regained control in the closing stages as its foreign players hit a series of crucial three-pointers to seal a hard-fought seven-point victory.

Al-Wahda reached the finals after sweepingAl-Nawair3-0 in the semifinals, while Ahli Aleppo advanced by defeatingHoms Al-Fidaathree games to one.