- 25
- July
- 2025
Second consecutive win for Lebanon in this friendly preparation tournament. Against Iran, the Lebanese team unleashed heavy artillery, with an offensive festival and a royal performance from Amir.
In front of a packed and fiery crowd at Nohad Nawfal Arena, Lebanon delivered a top-class performance, defeating Iran 105-89 on Thursday evening, during the third day of the Beirut Cup. This win gives Miodrag Perisic’s squad a second straight victory in this warm-up tournament organized by Global Active Sports under the patronage of the Lebanese Basketball Federation, featuring five teams until July 27: Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iran and Egypt.
In the other match of the day, Egypt maintained its perfect run by overcoming Jordan 70-60, earning a third consecutive victory.
Amir on Fire, Offense in Fusion
In a high-paced game, the Lebanese players quickly got the upper hand on their opponent, leaning on a well-oiled, collective offense. The quarter scores highlight Lebanon’s growing dominance: (19-26), (25-18), (31-24), (30-21).
Amir Saoud was blazing, racking up 25 points and 5 assists, with strong support from a very complete Dedric Lawson (23 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals). Gerard Hadidian also made a big impact in the paint with 21 points and 7 rebounds, as did Sergio El Darwich (14 points, 7 rebounds). Several key Lebanese players were absent: Ali Haidar, Ali Mezher, Omar Jamaleddine and Hayk Gyokchyan.
Statistically, Lebanon dominated the boards (38 to 28, including 13 offensive rebounds) and had excellent free-throw efficiency (27/29), making up for a modest three-point shooting night (4/14). Iran, for its part, struggled despite 27 points from Matin Aghajanpour and 15 points each from Sina Vahidi and Mohammad Amini.
See You Friday
Next challenge for Lebanon: Syria, Friday night at 9:00 PM. The highly anticipated derby won’t be televised, at the request of the Syrian coach.
Earlier at 6:00 PM, Iran will face Jordan in a match between two teams looking to bounce back.
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