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3. Basketball: Lebanon Weathers the Australian Storm and Turns to the Philippines

Swept aside by the Opals (113–34), the Lebanese women’s national team will need to bounce back on Wednesday against the Philippines to keep their hopes alive in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. The goal: win and preserve their hopes of staying in Division A.

Against an Australian side in full steamroller mode, the challenge proved too steep. On Monday night at the Shenzhen Sports Center, Lebanon suffered a heavy defeat (113–34) at the hands of one of the tournament’s top contenders. It was a crushing, unequivocal loss – but not a shameful one. In Division A, the journey is also about learning… and promise.

Backed by their commanding win over the Philippines the day before, the Australians killed any suspense from the tip-off, opening with a 17–0 run to lead 19–2 within minutes. The gap continued to widen quarter after quarter, as Paul Goriss’s players put on a clinic of fluid, collective and simply unstoppable basketball.

One-Sided Numbers

A glance at the Australian stats reveals the scale of the mismatch: 55.5% shooting, 17 three-pointers, 39 assists (!) and 60 rebounds to Lebanon’s 23… Australia dominated every aspect of the game, with eight players scoring 10 points or more. Isabelle Bourne led the way with 15 points, while Stephanie Reed (14 pts, 7 assists), Abbey Ellis (14 pts) and Chloe Bibby (12 pts, 11 rebounds) also shone.

Coach Goriss was pleased, acknowledging, “I’m really happy with our focus. Defensively, we’re making huge strides. Tonight, we met all our targets, especially in rebounding.”

A Ray of Light Named Nour Labban

In the storm, a glimmer of light: Nour Labban. The young Lebanese guard, fearless and determined, scored 11 points – salvaging some pride for a struggling but unbroken team. And that’s what matters most: not giving up. Not doubting. Because everything will be decided on Wednesday.

Now with two losses, the Lebanese squad has no choice: they must beat the Philippines (Wednesday at 8:30 AM Beirut time) to keep their hopes alive of staying in Division A and reaching the classification games. It’s a do-or-die clash. The real fight begins now.