- 18
- Apr.
- 2025
No surprises at the top: the two Beirut giants, in cruise control mode, easily dispatched their hosts as they await their next head-to-head clash.
The 12th round of the Lebanese First Division championship didn’t shake up the established order. On autopilot, defending champions Al Riyadi Beirut crushed modest Hrajel (110–78), while eternal rivals La Sagesse Beirut cruised past Club Central Jounieh its the court (93–66).
Two dominant victories that reaffirm the supremacy of the capital’s titans, as they head toward their inevitable showdown.
The Yellow Steamroller
In a half-filled and quickly deflated Nohad Nawfal arena, Hrajel resisted for just ten minutes against the yellow steamroller. With Wael Arakji once again surgical (21 points, 4 assists, 3 steals) and a team clicking perfectly (30 assists!), Al Riyadi rolled effortlessly.
Veteran Ismail Ahmad (11 points, 6 rebounds) showed he still has basketball in his veins, while Thon Maker (15 points, 9 rebounds) and Marin Maric (11 points, 9 rebounds) dominated the paint.
Even the tactical flair of Ghassan Sarkis couldn’t stop the yellow wave. Hrajel, outmatched in all areas (only 7 three-pointers made out of 27 attempts), suffered its tenth loss of the season. Nothing could be done against a Riyadi team charging full throttle toward the playoffs.
The Greens in Control
In Jounieh, it was a similar story for La Sagesse, who confirmed its red-hot form. With a devastating frontcourt duo – Haitian Cady Lalanne (28 points, 13 rebounds) and American Shabazz Muhammad (22 points, 10 rebounds) – the Greens dominated the game from start to finish. Captain Jad Khalil, always a quiet asset (9 points, 6 rebounds), led a confident team that outclassed Central in intensity and discipline.
Despite a strong showing from giant Tyree Corbett (30 points, 19 rebounds, 3 blocks), the home side never looked capable of challenging Jad al-Hajj’s squad, which was too powerful, too sharp, too focused. A flawless performance.
Homenetmen Joins the Party
In the other match, Homenetmen didn’t flinch against Mayrouba (104–95), continuing their hot streak and sharp shooting. The orange club, quiet but dangerous, is solidly planting itself in the top half of the standings, ready to stir things up.
Coach’s Word
“We’re picking up momentum, but we can’t get carried away. The real games are coming,” said a La Sagesse staff member, already eyeing the playoffs.
A Finish Line Without Suspense?
At this pace, Al Riyadi and La Sagesse might just turn the league into a two-horse race. Behind them, teams are struggling, slipping, and suffering. Up front, it’s full speed, locked in, soaring.
Al Riyadi and La Sagesse are flying first class – the rest are stuck in economy, turbulence included.
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