Damascus, Aug. 3 (SANA)Al-Wahda moved within one victory of winning theSyrian Men’s Basketball Leaguechampionship after defeating Al-Ahli Aleppo 82-76 on Sunday to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five finals.

Playing at Al-Fayhaa Sports Hall in Damascus,Al-Wahdacontrolled the first half to build a 40-32 lead at the break.Al-Ahli Alepporallied in the third quarter and briefly went ahead early in the fourth, but the hosts regained control in the closing minutes to secure the win.

Al-Wahda opened the finals with an 82-75 victory before Al-Ahli Aleppo leveled the series with a commanding 106-70 win in Game 2.

Game 4 will be played in Aleppo, where Al-Wahda can clinch the championship with another victory. A win for Al-Ahli Aleppo would force a decisive fifth game in Damascus.

The Syrian Men’s Basketball League finals are played under a best-of-five format, with the first team to win three games crowned league champion.