- 09:35
At the Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship, the Lebanese derby lived up to expectations in the semifinal: Riyadi dominated Champville 97–83 after a one-sided finish. Earlier in the tournament, Riyadi had cruised through the group stage against Al Dhafra (114–81) and TNT (94–53), while Champville impressed with a blowout against Al Wahda (105–61), a win over Al Qurain, and a narrow victory against Astana (90–87).
Riyadi came out firing, 24–17 after ten minutes, then 48–33 at halftime by locking down their basket and pushing the pace. Returning from the break, Champville shifted gears: more aggressive on the ball handler, better rebounding, strong baseline drives, and a 29–12 run that flipped the scoreboard, 62–60 for the Maristes heading into money time. The last quarter, however, turned into a yellow show: consecutive stops, transition play triggered at every turnover, perimeter accuracy rediscovered, and 37 points scored in just ten minutes. Curtain closed at 97–83.
Players of the Game
For Riyadi, Maurice Kemp led the charge (24 points, 8 rebounds), Ivan Buva dominated inside (21 points), Amir Saoud orchestrated with precision (15 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds), and Hayk Gyokchyan stood tall (14 points, 8 rebounds). Ali Mansour delivered a complete performance on both ends of the floor (9 assists, 5 steals).
For Champville, Stedmon Lemon lit the fuse (24 points), Henry Sims delivered a modern big-man performance (16 points, 9 rebounds), Jimmy Salem mixed control and penetration (15 points, 5 assists), Bassel Harfouch stretched the defense (14 points), and Javion Blake created opportunities (12 points, 5 assists).
The Turning Point
The third-quarter shockwave wasn’t enough for the Maristes: Riyadi regained control by imposing their tempo, cleaning the defensive glass, and punishing every slow transition. The opening sequence of the fourth quarter—three stops and two long-range baskets—broke Champville’s momentum and reignited the Lebanese champions’ collective rhythm.
Champville exits with honor after a high-level run and a genuine show of character in the semifinal. Riyadi, meanwhile, punches their ticket to the final with a clear signature: rotation depth, sharp reading of weak stretches, and the ability to raise their level when the pressure peaks.
Riyadi will play the final against the winner of Astana (Kazakhstan) vs. Sharjah (United Arab Emirates). For Champville, focus now shifts to continuing preparations with a solid foundation of teamwork and strengthened chemistry at the highest regional level.
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