- 11
- May
- 2025
The two Lebanese giants kicked off their FIBA WASL Final 8 campaigns in perfect fashion. Riyadi smashed Astana (93–58), while La Sagesse dominated Ittihad (99–69). A promising start ahead of the much-anticipated Monday night derby.
Lebanon made a big statement at the opening of the FIBA WASL Final 8 on Saturday night, in a fiery Nouhad Naufal Arena. The two powerhouses of national basketball, Riyadi and La Sagesse, sent a clear message to Asia: Beirut is still the basketball capital.
Ahead of Monday’s clash between the rivals, both the Yellow and the Green teams put on a show to open their journey in Group A. On one side, Riyadi’s collective masterclass against Astana; on the other, a blazing Zach Lofton leading La Sagesse over Ittihad. The battle is on.
Riyadi: A Well-Oiled Machine
The reigning champions and three-time West Asia League title holders, Riyadi left no doubt against Kazakhstan’s BC Astana. A clean, dominant win: 93–58. The yellow steamroller started early, with a clinical Wael Arakji (21 points, 7 assists, 2 steals), sparking the decisive 14–3 run that broke the visitors’ momentum.
In the second quarter, Thon Maker (15 points, 9 rebounds, 5 blocks, 27 efficiency rating) and Amir Saoud widened the gap, quickly reaching a double-digit lead. With suffocating defense (forcing 20 turnovers, scoring 34 points off them), the Beirut side cruised through the game. The lead ballooned to +39 by the end. Six players scored in double digits, 56% shooting accuracy, and 20 assists — Riyadi gave Astana no chance, dominating every aspect.
Lofton Show: La Sagesse on Fire
A few hours later, La Sagesse stepped out in style. Against Saudi Arabia’s Ittihad, the Greens delivered an offensive masterclass, led by a dazzling Zach Lofton. The American combo guard dropped 31 points (6/11 from three), along with 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals — all without committing a single foul.
After a slow start, Johnny O’Bryant lit the fuse with a buzzer-beating three at the end of the first quarter (22–20). Then Lofton caught fire in the second (12 points), well supported by Jad Khalil (12 pts), Omar Jamaleddine (10 pts), and Cady Lalanne (13 pts, 10 rebounds). Coach Zouros was able to rotate his squad, rest his key players, and enjoy a perfect start. Final score: 99–69. A masterclass.
Monday: The Beirut Derby
Two games, two blowouts. Riyadi and La Sagesse began their Final 8 campaign in style and will now face off on Monday night (8:45 PM) in the highly anticipated derby. A rematch of last year’s final, an electrifying duel between two in-form titans. Who will take the throne in Group A? Join us at Nouhad Naufal Arena for a night of fire.
Comments