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3. Basketball U16: Lebanon Controls India and Kicks Off Its Competition

In Ulaanbaatar, the Lebanese U16 team made a convincing entry into the Asian competition, defeating India (95-73) thanks to a huge performance from Johnny Sawma. Australia, the big favorite aiming for a “four-peat,” crushed Bahrain.

The FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 opened this Sunday at the Buyant Ukhaa Sport Complex in Mongolia. In Group A, two nations made a strong statement from day one: Australia, reigning champion and three-time titleholder, and Lebanon, the Middle Eastern representative and recent winner of the WABA Qualifiers in Amman.

The Australian Crocs demolished Bahrain (141-47), confirming their status as the regional powerhouse, while the Lebanese team had to dig deep to overcome India (95-73).

Sawma Takes Charge

Lebanon can thank Johnny Sawma, unstoppable throughout the game. Scoring 34 points, grabbing 7 rebounds and making 6 steals, the young guard carried his team in the toughest moments. When India took the lead (45-43) after halftime, he reignited the spark alongside Amin Nahle (23 points, 13 rebounds).

“We knew we shouldn’t panic. The coach asked us to play our basketball, and Johnny led by example,” said Tony Kiwan (13 points), who played an important supporting role.

The reaction was immediate: a blistering 14-2 run to regain control, followed by a well-managed final quarter where Lebanon pulled away to +21 (82-61) before calmly closing out the game.

Australia Untouchable, Lebanon Ambitious

In the other matchup, the Australians displayed total basketball: 41 points in the first quarter, outrageous shooting accuracy (56.7%) and no fewer than eight players scoring in double figures. Luke Roland Paul flirted with a triple-double (20 pts, 9 rebs, 12 assists, 6 steals).

While the Crocs are aiming for a fourth consecutive crown, Lebanon is moving forward with the ambition to go far. Gilbert Nasr’s protégés showed they had the mental strength to react in tough moments and that they could rely on an explosive duo in Sawma and Nahle.

And Now… Bahrain

Tomorrow, on Monday, paths will cross: Australia will face India while Lebanon takes on Bahrain (9 AM, Beirut time). The objective: confirm this strong start and head into the rest of the tournament with confidence.