- 09:10
Driven by a standout performance from Sekou Doumbouya, Linos Gavriel’s team managed to turn things around and even the series against Beirut Club with a 91-84 win. A victory that felt like revenge, in an arena fully behind them.
In an incandescent atmosphere in Ghazir, Sagesse pulled out all the stops. Beaten 81-87 in the first leg in Chiyah, the Greens set the record straight thanks to a solid collective performance and an individual recital by Sekou Doumbouya. The Franco-Guinean walked on water: 34 points, 10 rebounds and 2 counters, a demonstration of power and composure. “We knew we had no right to make mistakes in front of our fans,” said the evening's MVP.
From the outset, Linos Gavriel's men hit hard, winning the first two quarters (33-18 then 24-18), before the comeback of Beirut Club in the third (14-39). But when it was time to fold, Sagesse held firm and finished the job (20-9 in the final quarter).
The Team Gets Back on Track
Around Doumbouya, the whole team was back in action. Stefan Moody added 18 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, Omar Jamaleddine shone (15 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists) and young Jihad Khattib scored 8 precious points.
All in all, the Greens dominated the rebounding (44 catches versus 41), made 18 decisive passes, 6 steals and 7 counters, and aroused the enthusiasm of the 3,000 fans who turned the Antoine Choueiri hall into a volcano.
Meanwhile, Jad El-Hajj's Beirut Club did not disappoint. Joseph Young's 31 points, Ali Haidar's 17, Sergio Darwich's 16 and Richard Solomon's 14 points, 14 rebounds and 7 steals were all to no avail.
A Series Relaunched
With this win, Sagesse level at 1-1 in this men's Ligue 1 semi-final. Next up on Friday at 9:45 PM in Chiyah, Beirut Club will attempt to regain the lead.
In the other series, Riyadi are 2-0 up against Homenetmen after two offensive victories (104-101 and 111-91), and could wrap things up this evening at Saeb Salam Hall.
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