- 14
- Apr.
- 2025
Contrasting weekend for Lebanese basketball in Wasl: while Al Riyadi triumphed twice in as many days, concluding a historic Grand Slam in the West Asia League, Sagesse was defeated twice, casting doubt on its future on the eve of the Final 8. And rumors quickly ignited the stands of Nouhad Naufal…
Two Lebanese clubs engaged in WASL-West Asia, two opposite dynamics. Al Riyadi once again imposed its supremacy by claiming a third consecutive title and a flawless group stage (8 wins, 0 losses). Sagesse ended its campaign with two home losses, against Tabiat on Saturday then Al Difaa Al Jawi on Sunday.
Al Riyadi: The Three-Peat
Victorious over Amman on Saturday, Al Riyadi did it again on Sunday evening against Tabiat (92-78), thus concluding the group stage with a flawless 8-0. In front of an electrified crowd, the Yellows controlled the game, notably thanks to an incandescent Arakji-Saoud duo: 27 points for the first, 16 for the second, including 13 in a decisive second quarter.
With this success, Al Riyadi becomes the first club to achieve a “three-peat” in the West Asia League, and the first to accomplish a sweep since Kuwait Club in 2023. Next step: the Final 8, with a new continental title in sight.
Sagesse: Two Defeats, Tensions and Doubts
The contrast is striking. Already narrowly beaten on Saturday by Tabiat (73-75), Sagesse gave in once again on Sunday evening against the Iraqis of Al Difaa Al Jawi (85-89). Although already qualified before this final day, the Greens finish with 3 wins and 5 losses, and a palpable sense of concern.
Despite the efforts of Shabazz Muhammad (26 pts), Abdel Massih (15 pts, all from three-pointers) and Lofton (13 pts), coach Zouros’ players were unable to contain the Iraqis’ comeback in the money time. Even worse: after the match, rumors circulated of a heated altercation in the locker room between coach Ilias Zouros, some players and staff members.
According to several sources present at Nouhad Naufal, the Greek coach was even informed by a senior club official that he would not continue the adventure. The name of Georges Geagea, dismissed earlier this season, is already circulating to take over quickly. An unexpected remake in the corridors of Lebanese basketball…
Heading to the Final 8… on Reversed Fronts
While both Lebanese teams will indeed be present at the Final 8, their current momentum leaves a bitter taste for Sagesse fans, who hoped to see their team ride the qualification wave. Al Riyadi, on the other hand, moves forward like a boss, confident in its strengths and faithful to its legend.
Next step: the draw for the Final 8, and the hope, for Lebanon, of a 100% local final... provided Sagesse quickly finds its rhythm again.
Comments