- 10:05
Nine years of waiting, seven straight losses, a cursed arena… And then, the breakthrough. On Tuesday night, Sagesse shattered the glass ceiling at Manara and reignited a now red-hot finals series.
It had been nine years and three months since the Greens last tasted this moment. In front of a packed Saeb Salam Hall (around 2,000 fans), Sagesse ended an agonizing drought by defeating their eternal rivals and reigning champions, Riyadi Beirut, 95–85 after overtime (regulation: 82–82).
This victory, their first at Manara since 2016, narrows the finals series to 2–1. More than the score, it was the manner of the win that left a mark: intense, disciplined and above all, mentally dominant.
A Battle of Numbers
Riyadi thought their unbeaten streak was safe. But Sagesse came in with fire: 53 rebounds (20 offensive!), relentless aggression and poise in clutch moments. Meanwhile, Riyadi struggled from long range (7/26 from three) and ran out of steam in overtime.
Sekou Doumbouya was unstoppable with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists—truly the game’s talisman. Stefan Moody added 20 points, 6 boards and 4 assists, while Omar Jamaleddine recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. The starting five delivered.
For Riyadi, Australian Thon Maker had a monster game (20 pts, 18 rebounds, 2 blocks), supported by Markus Hunt (17 pts), but it wasn’t enough. Coach Ahmad Farran’s men fought hard, but collapsed in overtime.
Finding Their Rhythm
The game was tight from start to finish. Tied at halftime (46–46), Riyadi pulled ahead after the third quarter (72–66). But Sagesse held on. In the final minutes of regulation, they clawed back and shifted momentum, unsettling a Riyadi side known for its home dominance.
In overtime, coach Linos Gavriel’s team set the pace, shook off the frustration of their previous loss in Ghazir and played with confidence. The offense flowed, and Riyadi faltered. Sagesse dug deep and claimed the win with heart and grit. It was sheer will that flipped a game slipping away.
A Return to Form
This was more than just a win. It marked a turning point. After months of setbacks and doubts, Sagesse finally found their true colors—the ones from their glory days. And their fans, who’ve endured plenty this season, finally had reason to roar.
Series Back On
This win ends a seven-game losing streak to Riyadi this season (3 in WASL, 4 in the league). More importantly, it revives hope: a win tonight in Ghazir—Sagesse’s official home court—would level the series 2–2.
But it won’t be easy. Both teams are worn out, the heat is draining and fatigue is setting in. Game 4 promises to be tense, physical and suffocating. Only the side with the mental and physical edge will survive.
They had lost everything, even their pride. On Tuesday, they took it all back, including Manara.
Sagesse is back. And they’re not here for sightseeing.
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