- 15:20
In the opening match of the 2024-2025 basketball championship, Al-Riyadi Beirut outclassed Tadamon Hrajel 136-76. A masterly performance that confirmed the club's status as one of the favourites for the title.
In an impressive show of strength, Al-Riyadi Beirut crushed promoted Tadamon Hrajel by a 60-point margin (136-76) in the opening game of the 2024-2025 basketball championship.
The match took place at the Saeb Salam hall in Manara, in front of a large crowd, in the presence of the Vice-President of the Asian Federation and President of the Lebanese Basketball Federation, Akram Halabi, as well as members of the federation, club presidents and sponsors.
From the outset, the Yellows set the pace, delivering a dominant display against a Tadamon team visibly overwhelmed by the challenge of their first appearance in the top flight. Despite a number of promising players in their ranks, the Kesrouan club was never able to contain the attacking and defensive power of their opponents. All Al-Riyadi players, both local and foreign, shone on the court, confirming the depth of the defending champions' squad.
Coach Ahmad Farran took advantage of the large scoreline to give playing time to several young talents, including the promising Omar Soubra, who showed great promise for the future.
Overwhelming Domination in Numbers
The quarters reflected Al-Riyadi's dominance: 36-19, 44-28, 27-15 and 29-14.
The statistics speak for themselves:
- Al-Riyadi: 41 rebounds (32 defensive, 9 offensive), 37 assists, 14 steals, only 5 turnovers and 3 blocks. The team also showed great skill, hitting 12 of 15 free throws and 14 of 32 three-pointers.
- Tadamon: 29 rebounds (20 defensive, 9 offensive), 17 assists, 3 steals and 17 turnovers. The team nevertheless converted 11 of 13 free throws and 7 of 25 three-point shots.
Men of the Match
Karim Zeinoun spearheaded Al-Riyadi with 27 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. American Edgar Sosa added 19 points and 3 assists, while Hayk Gyokochian completed the picture with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 counters. Wael Arakji also shone with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists, supported by Bilal Tabbara (13 points) and Amir Saoud (9 points, 6 rebounds). Ali Mansour was also on hand with 11 assists, while young Omar Soubra scored 7 points.
For Tadamon, Ahmad Ekkawi led the way with 22 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, followed by foreigner Maurice Calloo (19 points) and Bechara Boustany (8 points).
The match was officiated by the international refereeing trio of Paul Skayem, Adel Khoury and Ziad Tannous.
A Warning to the Competition
While Al-Riyadi has already secured its place at the top of the table, Tadamon will need to come to their senses quickly and adjust their game to avoid a nightmare season. In such a ruthless league, there is no room for inexperience. As for the Yellows, they are sending a clear message to their rivals: their hunger for the title remains strong, and they will be a formidable challenge for any contender.
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