- 08:45
Without their stars but with an irresistible collective effort, Riyadi gave Homenetmen no chance in Game 3 at Saeb Salam Hall in Manara. The reigning champions reached the final with disconcerting ease.
Even without Amir Saoud and Wael Arakji, Riyadi delivered a basketball masterclass in front of an audience of nearly 1,800. At Saeb Salam Hall, the Yellows gave no respite to an unrecognizable Homenetmen, who seemed to have reached the end of their tether after a long season. Right from the first quarter, Ahmad Farran's men imposed a hellish tempo, killing all suspense even before half-time (63-40). The final score, 104-72, sums up the abyssal gap between the two teams.
A Resilient Homenetmen
This was not the same Homenetmen as in the first game of the series, when they gave Riyadi a hard time, losing by just three points. This time, Joe Moujaes' players were never in the game. Tyler Bey, valiant to the end with 24 points and 9 rebounds, tried to survive, well supported by Jordan Stevens (19 pts). But collectively, the team was out of ideas, shooting poorly (5/27 three-pointers), and unable to resist the physical impact imposed by their opponents.
Gyokchyan and His Team Cruise to Victory
Buoyed by a fiery George Marcus Hunt (27 points), a dominant Thon Maker (18 pts, 13 rebounds, 3 counters) and an impeccable Hayk Gyokchyan on both sides of the court (16 pts, 11 rebounds, 3 assists), Riyadi dominated. Ismail Ahmad, the eternal 47-year-old captain, earned himself a double-double (12 pts, 11 rebounds) to the cheers of the crowd. Karim Zeinoun also shone with 11 points off the bench. In all: 63 rebounds, 28 assists, 8 steals and 6 counters. Total basketball.
Next Stop: The Final
With this resounding victory and a 3-0 sweep in the series, Riyadi validates its ticket to the championship final, where it now awaits the winner of the duel between Beirut Club and Sagesse, tied 1-1. The next decisive round takes place this Friday evening in Chiyah. For its part, Riyadi is ready, raring to go and on a mission. The yellow ogre has not said its last word.
Comments