- 17:20
In Ulaanbaatar, Lebanon lost a game it seemed to have under control against Bahrain (68-70). The young Lebanese will now have to pull off a feat against Australia, three-time defending champions, to hope to reach the quarterfinals of the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025.
The FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 is in full swing at the M Bank Arena in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. In Group A, Australia, two-time defending champions and heavy favorites for a historic four-peat, cruised through their first two games, crushing India (131-42) after already beating Bahrain.
The Australian Crocs, led by an unstoppable Will Hamilton (22 points, 6 rebounds), displayed impressive collective power: 24 steals, five players with more than ten points and total domination on both sides of the court. Tomorrow, Greg Vanderjagt's protégés will have the opportunity to secure first place in the group... but they will face a young Lebanese team with wounded pride.
A Cruel Scenario for the Lebanese
Long in control, Lebanon saw a precious victory slip away against Bahrain and lost 68-70 after a nail-biting finish. Leading 68-66 with one minute to go, the Lebanese team cracked in the face of one man: Somto Patrick.
A true monster on both sides of the court, Patrick delivered a performance for the ages: 23 points, 23 rebounds, 9 blocks, playing 40 minutes without ever faltering. He tied the game at 68-68 with 50 seconds left, then blocked Charbel El Herera's shot before scoring the decisive basket with 4.3 seconds left on the clock.
“We had the game in hand... but in the final seconds, we lacked experience,” said Johnny Sawma, one of Lebanon's best players in the game with 17 points.
Alongside him, El Herera also scored 17 points, while Mauricio Abboud recorded a monumental double-double (16 points, 18 rebounds), but it wasn't enough to avoid defeat.
The Goal: A Feat Against the Crocs
With this setback, Lebanon now has a record of 1 win and 1 loss and has no choice: to reach the quarterfinals, it will have to create a sensation against the Australian giants, who have been undefeated and untouchable for three editions.
The challenge is colossal, but not impossible. The energy, outside shooting and fighting spirit of the young Lebanese team could surprise the Crocs. Charbel El Herera, the offensive leader, still believes, “Australia is a mountain... but we have nothing to lose. We have to play with heart and show that Lebanon can beat anyone.”
Tomorrow, at the Buyant Ukhaa Sport Complex, Lebanon will be playing for much more than just a game: it's a question of pride, character and identity. The Lebanese know they can write a page in their history.
Because in Lebanon, even when facing the Crocs... the claws are never far away.
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