- 12:15
The reigning Asian champions got off to a perfect start in the 2025 Basketball Champions League Asia on Sunday in Dubai, beating South Korea's Changwon LG (103-76). Riyadi, led by the red-hot duo of Arakji and Maker, secured its place in the quarterfinals and is already asserting its global ambitions.
The tone has been set. Al Riyadi is not messing around with continental affairs. A year after conquering Asia in Dubai, Ahmad Farran's protégés launched their 2025 campaign with panache, crushing the South Korean champions in the legendary Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Sports Hall. Final score: 103-76. A show of strength, a basketball lesson, and an express qualification for the quarterfinals.
A Third Quarter for the Ages
Trailing 53-55 at halftime, the Lebanese turned the tables as soon as the second half began, led by a spectacular Wael Arakji. He was the one who sparked the comeback, with his sharp drives and his vision in crunch time. Then the machine got going. Maker, Georges-Hunt, Kikanovic, and Gyokchyan took over to put on a collective recital in the fourth quarter, which ended with a killer 11-2 run. At 85-67, the game was over.
Thon Maker, the Boss
The Australian giant of South Sudanese origin dominated the game: 24 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and a stratospheric rating of 32. Unstoppable and omnipresent, the center made life hell for the Korean big men. Arakji, his partner in crime, also racked up 24 points, confirming his Olympian form.
Georges-Hunt and the Veterans at the Helm
Back in a venue he knows by heart – he played for Shabab Al Ahli in the last edition – Marcus Georges-Hunt did not falter: 15 points on 6/8 shooting and Olympian calm. Hayk Gyokchyan (10 points) and Elmedin Kikanovic (13 points, 8 rebounds) also delivered solid performances in a well-oiled team despite the absence of the artist Amir Saoud.
Saoud Absent, but Farran Stays the Course
Amir Saoud was unable to play due to a rib injury. Coach Farran openly acknowledged the significance of his absence: “It's very difficult to replace Amir. He is one of the best offensive creators in the region, along with Wael. I hope he comes back soon.” But even without him, Riyadi gave an impressive display of mastery. Ali Mansour, who was quiet on the scoreboard (6 points), shone in the distribution with 12 assists out of the team's 26.
A Ticket to the Quarterfinals
With this victory, Riyadi has already secured its place in the quarterfinals, as have the Taoyuan Pilots, who qualified thanks to Changwon LG's defeat (0-2). Riyadi will next face the Taiwanese team on Monday in a high-stakes clash for first place in Group C.
The goal remains the same: to finish at the top, to continue dreaming of Singapore and a return to the FIBA Intercontinental Cup. And if Riyadi continues at this pace, it's hard to imagine anyone standing in their way.
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