The Dubai tournament, a major event for Lebanese teams in preparation after nearly six months without competition, featured an intriguing clash between La Sagesse and Al-Ahly Tripoli. The game ended with a Libyan victory (82-89), allowing Al-Ahly to finish top of their group, while La Sagesse had to settle for third place.
The Lebanese team found difficulties at the beginning of the match. To make matters worse, the first quarter was marked by the worrying injury of their star player, Shabazz Muhammad. In these tough conditions, La Sagesse had to rely heavily on their local players. Zach Lofton, still in recovery, and Malcolm Thomas, underperforming, couldn’t provide the expected support, increasing the pressure on the roster.
Despite these challenges, the Lebanese players showed resilience, with Gérard Hadidian dominating the paint and showing promising potential for the team.
By finishing third in their group, La Sagesse will face Beirut SC in the quarterfinals, ensuring the presence of a Lebanese team in the semifinals. This matchup promises to be exciting, with both teams being top contenders in the league.
Although the date of the game has not been set yet, this confrontation will be crucial for the rest of the season. The Dubai tournament, while friendly, serves as a great test to assess the strength of the teams before the national competitions begin.
Comments