- 10:30
Mixed fortunes for the Lebanese clubs in the FIBA WASL semi-finals: Al Riyadi secured their spot in the final, while Sagesse fell just short, ending a dramatic Saturday at Nouhad Naufal Stadium in Zouk Mikael.
This Saturday in Zouk Mikael, the Lebanese crowd experienced a rollercoaster of emotions: Yellow euphoria in the afternoon, Green disappointment in the evening.
Lebanese Teams on Two Speeds
The FIBA WASL semi-finals have spoken: Al Riyadi booked another final by confidently defeating Shabab Al Ahli, while Sagesse, despite a fiery atmosphere, once again hit the Iranian wall known as Tabiat. Two teams, two paths, one stage, and a bitter taste for half of Beirut.
Riyadi Secures Its Final
With the confidence of champions, Al Riyadi punched their ticket to the final. Facing the Gulf champions Shabab Al Ahli, Ahmad Farran’s men delivered a dominant team performance, winning 97–85.
The turning point came in crunch time, with a deadly 10-0 run sparked by a three-point play from Amir Saoud, followed by a dagger corner three from Hayk Gyokchyan. The Lebanese-Armenian duo sealed the deal, giving Al Riyadi an 18-point cushion (89–71) with four minutes to go.
Marcus Georges-Hunt, a former Shabab player, had a blast against his old team: 23 points (10/13 FG), 5 rebounds and 12 points in the first quarter alone to set the tone. Thon Maker dominated the paint (10 pts, 17 rebs), while Wael Arakji ran the show at point guard (14 pts, 6 asts).
“It doesn’t matter who we face, if we want to win, we have to beat everyone,” said a clear-headed Ahmad Farran at the press conference. Al Riyadi continues marching forward, relentlessly chasing a WASL double.
Sagesse Falls to Tabiat
Once again, the Greens came heartbreakingly close. And once again, it was the Iranians from Tabiat who crushed their dream. Just like in the group stage, just like in last year’s BCL Asia quarterfinal, Sagesse fell short against the Persian hurdle. Final score: 79–73.
Despite a furious late comeback in the final 90 seconds—a 10-0 run that shook the Nouhad Naufal walls—Ilias Zouros’ men couldn’t turn the tide. Ivan Buva and Stedmon Lemon kept their composure at the perfect moment, locking in the qualification with just 24 hours left before the final.
For Sagesse, it’s a cruel ending: yet another unfinished comeback, yet another frustrating finish. The hope was there, fueled by a passionate crowd and some unreal shot-making. But chasing the score all night drained the Greens, and they couldn’t complete the mission.
A Final Without a Derby: A Feeling of Incompletion
On Sunday night, the WASL final will feature Riyadi vs. Tabiat, a rematch seen before, but not the all-Lebanese Clasico many had hoped for. Not this time.
Sagesse will fight for the bronze against Shabab Al Ahli. Al Riyadi will aim for gold. A stark contrast. The Yellows march toward the title, while the Greens leave empty-handed.
Beirut has both won… and lost.
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