- 06
- Apr.
- 2025
Sagesse flirted with the exploit, caressed the dream… and ended up crashing. An incandescent Manara, a coldly realistic Al Riyadi, regrets filling the green suitcases… and a bitter taste of home refereeing.
In a Saeb Salam Arena in fusion, in the heart of Manara–this mythical “lighthouse” of Lebanese basketball–Sagesse almost signed the heist of the century. For three and a half quarters, Jad El Hajj's men laid down the law. Solid, disciplined, transcended by a blazing Zac Lofton (39 points), the Greens dominated an unrecognizable Al Riyadi, feverish and often overwhelmed in defense.
At +16 in the last quarter, the hold-up seemed within reach. Sagesse fans, who came in large numbers, furious, loaded with drums and banners, thought they were holding their night of glory.
But to dominate is not to win. And leaving Al Riyadi alive, especially in Manara, is flirting with danger.
Manara Lights Up, the Referee Gets Involved
As the gap seemed irreparable, Al Riyadi tightened the ranks. A more aggressive defense, fouls drawn… and whistles that made Sagesse fans jump.
A questionable offensive foul against Lofton, generous free throws for Arakji, obvious non-calls under the basket… The classic scenario of burning nights in Manara. On social networks, reactions flew, “In Manara, even ghosts defend for Al Riyadi.”
Can we talk about scandal? Maybe not. But about home management of hot moments? Definitely.
Al Riyadi, the Champion That Never Dies
In this controlled chaos, Al Riyadi did what great teams do: survive. Arakji (26 points) sliced through the green defense, Amir Saoud (29 points) lit it up from afar, and the old lion Ismail Ahmad showed he still had it in him.
Overtime turned into a lesson. Sagesse, mentally worn out, physically drained, let the dream slip away. Al Riyadi outscored their opponents 17-7 in overtime, for a final score of 99-92.
The arena exults, the Yellows rejoice, the Greens brood.
A Match Filled with Regrets
They had come from everywhere–from Tripoli, from Ghazir, from Achrafieh–to believe in the exploit. “We had them… we had them!” dropped Mario, a loyal Sagesse fan.
Without Gerard Hadidian and Shabazz Muhammad, Sagesse still played generous, inspired basketball, carried by a blazing Lofton and a heroic Omar Jamaleddine (21 points, 16 rebounds).
But through wear and tear, experience and maybe with a little help from fate, Al Riyadi won the match.
An Evening That Mirrors Lebanese Basketball
In the stands, the party was beautiful, noisy, electric. But the bitter taste remains. “What's the point of fighting if, in the end, the system always protects the same ones?” slips a former supporter bitterly.
Because yes, Sagesse can feed on regrets. Huge. Immense. Abyssal.
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