- 09
- Feb.
- 2025
Riyadi Beirut made a statement with a dominant victory over Club Central Jounieh (116-79) in the second round of the Lebanese Basketball Championship. It was a one-sided match where Wael Arakji and his teammates put on an offensive show, while Club Central collapsed in the final stretch.
The reigning champions, Riyadi Beirut, sent a clear message to their competitors by dismantling Club Central Jounieh (116-79) on Saturday, marking the start of the second round of the Lebanese Basketball Championship.
In a packed Centrale School gym (600 spectators), the Yellow squad executed their game plan flawlessly, leaving their opponents without answers.
A Tight Contest… Until Halftime
Club Central showed fought well in the first half, relying on the impact of American import Jeremy Tyler and the leadership of captain Joey Zaloum.
However, the game took a completely different turn after the break. Despite missing Edgar Sosa (illness) and playing with only one foreign player (Iliman Diop), Riyadi leaned on the ageless experience of Ismaïl Ahmad, who was dominant despite being well past 40. With 5 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks, the veteran proved he still has plenty left in the tank.
Tension and Ejection: Cleanthony Early Loses His Cool
The game was also marked by a heated confrontation between Cleanthony Early and the referees. The American forward from Club Central, already frustrated with how the game was unfolding, lost his composure in the second half, repeatedly arguing and making inappropriate gestures toward the opposing bench.
His ejection was indisputable and could lead to heavy disciplinary sanctions. His future with the team is now uncertain.
Arakji Takes Charge, Club Central Falls Apart
While the home team managed to keep up for one quarter (30-27 for Riyadi), things quickly unraveled. Riyadi gradually pulled away (27-23, 26-20) before delivering the final blow with a disastrous fourth quarter for Club Central (33-9). Their defense fell apart and tempers flared, and Riyadi’s sharpshooting finished them off.
In this collective collapse, one player stood out above the rest: Wael Arakji, who was phenomenal with 30 points and 4 assists. He was well-supported by Amir Saoud (21 points, 7 assists) and Hayk Gyokchyan (17 points, 9 rebounds).
For Club Central, Jeremy Tyler tried to stay afloat with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Joey Zaloum (13 points, 7 assists) and Osiris Eldodji (10 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals) did their best to contain the damage.
Match Stats
• Riyadi: 42 rebounds (34 defensive, 8 offensive), 38 assists, 6 blocks, 18 three-pointers (out of 29 attempts).
• Club Central: 33 rebounds (21 defensive, 12 offensive), 21 assists, 8 steals, 9 three-pointers (out of 26 attempts).
Club Central in Doubt
With this second consecutive heavy defeat, following their blowout loss to Sagesse (118-88), Club Central is already in a tough spot. Weak defense, fragile mentality and a limited roster—Jounieh’s team must quickly adjust, or risk plunging further into crisis.
Meanwhile, Riyadi is rolling and looking unstoppable. Two games, two wins, a high-powered offense and a well-oiled team. The message is clear: the defending champions are here, and they won’t give up their crown without a fight.
What’s Next?
The second round continues this Sunday with a matchup between Antonins Baabda and Beirut Club at 4:45 PM at Antonin Institute in Baabda.
Antonins will look to bounce back from its loss to Antranik (72-79), while Beirut Club aims to build on its narrow win over Hoops (82-80).
Club Central will need some serious self-reflection before its next game—otherwise, things could get even worse.
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