- 09
- Apr.
- 2025
Al Riyadi on its streak, Sagesse lying in ambush: The 2nd phase of the WASL League is shaping up to be electrifying at the Nouhad Nawfal Stadium.
They want to make history in Asian basketball, and especially write a new golden chapter of Lebanese sport. In search of a historic treble in the FIBA WASL-West Asia League, Al Riyadi is advancing like a well-oiled machine. Five matches, five victories. And a clear message sent to the entire region: the boss is still and will always be Beirut.
But beware, the serious business really begins this week at the Nouhad Nawfal Stadium, the theater of hostilities for a 2nd phase that promises to be sizzling.
With a 100% explosive cast: the Lebanese players of Al Riyadi and Sagesse at the forefront, followed closely by the Iranians of Tabiat, the Jordanians of Amman United and the Iraqis of Al Difaa Al Jawi.
Riyadi Sets the Tone
On Tuesday night, Ahmad Farran's men sent another strong signal by crushing Al Difaa Al Jawi (94-79). A victory built like a boss, despite a slow start and a 10-point deficit in the first quarter. But the newcomers quickly set things right.
American Marcus Georges-Hunt, who had just arrived as a luxury reinforcement, put in a stellar performance on his debut under Al Riyadi's colors: 23 points, 9/15 shooting and an impressive rise in power. Alongside him, Croatian center Marin Maric (21 pts, 9 rebounds) cleaned up in the paint.
Wael Arakji (14 pts, 7 assists) and Karim Zeinoun (10 pts) managed the low points, keeping some fuel in the tank for the much-awaited clash: the Beirut Derby against Sagesse.
The Derby, Act II
It’s the event that all of Lebanon is waiting for: Wednesday night (9:45 PM), Al Riyadi and Sagesse meet for another classic of Lebanese basketball. The first duel turned into a demonstration (86-59 for Riyadi), leaving a bitter taste for the Greens of Ghazir.
But in the meantime, Ilias Zouros' men have strengthened their roster: the arrival of Elie Rustom and giant Cady Lalanne, former star of Beirut Club and double WASL champion with Kuwait Club, has given new life to a Sagesse team seeking revenge.
The stage is set: on one side, Al Riyadi in search of perfection and history. On the other, a wounded but vengeful Sagesse. Between the two, a Lebanese crowd eager to ignite.
A High-Tension Finish
The 2nd phase of this WASL West will end on April 13. Until then, every match will count double. Al Riyadi will face Tabiat again for a top clash with overtones of Iranian-Lebanese rivalry. Sagesse will also have to battle against the Iraqis to hope to reach the Final 8.
At the end of this regional adventure, there is more than just a trophy. There is a ticket to the Basketball Champions League Asia. And in this crazy race, Lebanon is determined to keep its head held high, and its fist raised.
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