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3. Basketball – Abu Dhabi: Champville Outlasts Astana, Riyadi Overpowers TNT

In the group stage of the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship, the Lebanese representatives went 2-for-2: Champville toppled Astana (90-87) and Riyadi smothered TNT (94-53).

Champville (coach: Alan Abaz) earned a signature win over Kazakhstan champions Astana, 90-87, after a thrilling battle in the group stage of the Abu Dhabi International. Trailing 24-20 after the first quarter, the Lebanese side turned the tide in the second, heading into halftime up 55-43. The lead held into crunch time despite Astana’s comeback (73-66 at the 30-minute mark) and a 87-87 tie in the final minute. The Marist team closed it out at just the right time.

Champville dominated the boards (47-29) and scored 20 second-chance points – a decisive factor in such a nail-biting finish. Henry Sims imposed his will (29 points, 11 rebounds). Javion Blake (21 points, 6 assists) set the tempo, while Stedmon Lemon (17 points, 9 rebounds) filled the stat sheet. Bassel Harfouch (6 points), Mark Abi Kheirs (5 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists), and Jimmy Salem (4 points, 7 rebounds) kept the machine running smoothly. With three wins in as many games (3/3), Champville is now at the top of its group.

Riyadi in Total Control, TNT Smothered

Defending Lebanese champion Riyadi gave TNT no breathing room: 25-19 after the first quarter, 51-33 at halftime, then a crushing 27-7 run in the third to put the game to bed and finish with a +41 margin (94-53). Ahmad Farran rotated his roster without losing momentum: 56 rebounds and 27 assists compared to TNT’s 28 and 8.

Standout performers: Maurice Kemp (24 points, 11 rebounds), Hayk Gyokchyan (19 points, 4 rebounds), Ivan Buva (18 points, 7 rebounds), Amir Saoud (12 points, 4 assists), and Ali Mansour (10 assists, 6 rebounds). Riyadi moves to 2-0 and will face Sharjah on Wednesday at 5:45 PM Beirut time to close the group stage.

A Statement Made

Beyond the margins, it’s the manner that stood out: controlled aggression, dominance on the glass, ball movement, and composure in weaker phases. At the Abu Dhabi International 2025, Champville showed grit under pressure; Riyadi displayed a well-oiled machine. If consistency follows, the two Lebanese powerhouses head into the next stage with both confidence and legitimate ambitions for the Final Four.