- 08:45
With renewed team spirit, relentless pace and ironclad defense, the Lebanese pulled out all the stops to defeat Japan (97-73) and earn a spot in the quarterfinals against New Zealand.
With their backs against the wall, the reigning Asian vice-champions rose to the occasion. On Tuesday evening at King Abdullah Sports City, Miodrag Perisic’s men silenced “Akatsuki Japan” and imposed their will on both sides of the court.
A Decisive Match, a Resounding Response
Dedric Lawson recorded a double-double (24 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block), perfectly supported by Youssef Khayat (14 points, 8 rebounds) and a red-hot Sergio Darwich on defense (12 points, 5 steals, 2 three-pointers). At the helm, Ali Mansour dished out a tournament-record 15 assists.
The Turning Point in the First Quarter
After an evenly matched start marked by Yoshii’s drives and Hawkinson’s presence, Lebanon stepped on the gas. Two consecutive three-pointers by Darwich sparked a devastating 10-0 run, with Lawson and Khayat setting the tone inside. The “Reds” never relinquished their grip: a four-point lead at the end of the first quarter (23-19), then a gap that widened to a 12-point lead at halftime (53-41) thanks to the accuracy of Gyokchyan, Saoud and Zeinoun.
Ironclad Defense, Rhythmic Offense
The plan was clear: cut off the passing lanes to Keisei Tominaga. Mission accomplished: the Japanese shooter was limited to 2 points in the first half. Back from the locker room, Lebanon hammered home their advantage. Mansour orchestrated, Lawson and Khayat punished, Zeinoun broke away in transition, and Khayat’s furious dunk after an interception brought the whole bench to its feet. At the start of the final quarter, the game was over (81-64).
“We had a team meeting yesterday, we knew things hadn’t been going well. Today, we showed who we are: defense first, then our basketball. When we play like that, it’s hard to beat us,” said Darwich, all smiles.
Coming for New Zealand
Despite a last-ditch effort by Yudai Baba at the end of the game, Zeinoun and Lawson closed the door. Final score: 97-73. Lebanon continues its dream of a medal, heading to the quarterfinals against New Zealand.
And what if, in these uncertain times for the country, it is on the basketball court that Lebanon regains some of its lost panache?
Comments