- 09:30
Opening weekend at Nouhad Naufal Stadium (Zouk Mikael): Sagesse dominates Homenetmen 107–91 and claims the Challenge Cup — the perfect springboard ahead of the Lebanese First Division Championship (October 18).
The Challenge Cup, co-organized by the FLB and MTV, served as a kickstart accelerator. Two days, a packed arena, and a fast-paced format to gauge the teams’ form and offer a first trophy before the big transition to the championship.
On Saturday, in the semifinals, Homenetmen edged Beirut First 89–84 after a tight battle. Later, Sagesse rolled past Antonins 106–90, setting the tempo right from the start. Two different performances, the same promise — a high-intensity final.
On Sunday, the final turned into a green steamroller. Homenetmen had the better start in the opening minutes, but Joe Ghattas’ machine quickly found its rhythm. Sagesse led 31–24 after the first quarter, widened the gap before halftime (28–21 in the second, 59–45 at the break), imposed a real stranglehold in the third (23–14, 82–59), then controlled the game despite Homenetmen taking the last quarter (25–32). Final score: 107–91.
On Sagesse’s side, Eric Green lit the fuse (27 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists), Paris Bass dominated with power (23 points, 8 rebounds), and Youssef Khayat delivered a massive performance (20 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists). Tony Carr organized the flow (7 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists), while Ali Haidar (11 points, 9 rebounds) and Marc Khoueiry (10 points) provided constant support. Gerard Hadidian, Charbel Sassine, and Elie Ghaleb also contributed effectively to the rotation.
On the other side, Homenetmen relied on Jordan Stevens (29 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) and Tyler Bey (26 points, 8 rebounds). Khaleed Thomas (9 points, 7 rebounds), Ahmad Ibrahim (7), Aziz Abdel Massih (6 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists), Serouj Avedissian (6), Gaby Ajemian (3), Isaac Ayoubi (2), and Tanios Akiki (2) added to the scoring, but could not overturn the gap built before money time.
The final sends a clear signal: Sagesse marks a winning return to the title scene, already showing strong collective chemistry — structured defense, rebound control, and clean first and second options. Homenetmen confirms its long-range potential and scoring ability but will need to tighten its coverage and defensive transitions to compete for such games when the Lebanese First Division Championship tips off.
Green Ambitions
The symbol of the evening was Youssef Khayat, named MVP of the competition. More than a label of promise, a confirmation: impact on both ends, consistency, and maturity in key moments. Enough to fuel the green ambition at the dawn of a highly competitive season.
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