- 13:20
Sagesse Beirut got their season off to the best possible start with a dazzling offensive display against Club Central. A well-honed collective, a cheeky skill and a clear message sent to the competition.
La Sagesse Beyrouth got the 2024-2025 season off to a perfect start in the Lebanese basketball championship, with an authoritative 118-88 victory over Club Central Jounieh. The match, played as part of the first day's action, took place at the Antoine Choueiry hall in Ghazir, in front of almost 1,800 spectators.
From the very first minutes, La Sagesse dictated the tempo, quickly suffocating Club Central. The team built its success on effective teamwork, notably thanks to impressive outside shooting (19 of 27 attempted, i.e. 70%). At the break, the gap was already substantial, with the home team leading 66-42. Despite a timid reaction from Club Central in the third quarter, the Greens managed to control their lead until the final whistle.
A Numerical Demonstration of Strength
La Sagesse dominated all areas of the game, displaying remarkable collective mastery. With 38 rebounds, including 11 offensive rebounds, they created numerous second chances to attack. 31 assists testified to their fluid ball flow and well-oiled attack. Defensively, the hosts imposed a physical challenge with 9 interceptions and 3 counters, while limiting their ball losses to just 9 turnovers.
The Greens' fatal weapon? Exceptional shooting success, with 70% three-pointers (19/27) and 78% free throws (11/14). Club Central, on the other hand, struggled in the face of their opponents' defensive pressure, converting just 7 out of 24 three-point shots (29%) and conceding 15 turnovers, a lack of control that cost them dearly.
Top Individual Performances
Several players distinguished themselves in this collective victory. Radhouane Ben Slimane, in his first game for La Sagesse, delivered an accomplished performance with 22 points and 5 assists, establishing himself as a major offensive asset.
Omar Jamaleddine, also with 22 points, added 5 rebounds and 3 steals, bringing energy on both sides of the court. Zack Lofton, the team's true metronome, shone with his versatility with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists, dictating the tempo of the game.
Solid performances from Mark Khoury (17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists) and Jad Khalil (13 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists) ensured a smooth victory.
On the other side, Cleanthony Early (32 points, 6 rebounds) tried to carry Club Central on his shoulders, but his overly individualistic play often held his team back. Osiris Eldridge (18 points, 7 rebounds) and Jeremy Tyler (11 points, 5 rebounds) made their contribution, but it wasn't enough against a very successful Sagesse.
Masterful Tactical Management and a Reassuring Bench
The Sagesse coach can be satisfied with this convincing first outing. The team alternated fast-paced play and attacking moves, while maintaining a constant defensive intensity. Radhouane Ben Slimane, deputizing for the injured Shabazz Muhammad, quickly integrated himself into the team, illustrating the Greens' depth on the bench.
Zack Lofton's intelligent play was also noteworthy, as he followed the coach's instructions perfectly and set up his team-mates with 9 assists.
The refereeing by Paul Saqim, Ziad Tannous and Claude Abi Jabraïl matched the intensity of the duel, ensuring a competitive but controlled match.
The Next Matches of the First Day
The first day's matches continue this Thursday, February 6, with two mouth-watering fixtures:
5:00 PM: Beirut First Club vs. Hoops (Chiyah sports complex hall)
9:00 PM: Homenetmen Beirut vs. Ittihad Mreïba (Homenetmen club hall in Mazher, Antelias)
A Strong Message
With this crushing victory, La Sagesse sends out a strong signal to its opponents. If this performance is a foretaste of the season, the Greens could well be the team to beat this year. The next match promises to be crucial in confirming this momentum and further cementing their status as title contenders.
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