- 09:35
The opening day wrapped up with one-sided performances from the league’s heavyweights, each securing comfortable wins that suggest they’ll share the top spots this season. In Ghazir, Sagesse closed the curtain in commanding fashion against newly promoted Batroun, still finding its rhythm.
In the final game of the 2025–2026 season’s opening night, Joe Ghattas’ Sagesse demolished Charbel Feghali’s Chabab Batroun 108–65. It was Batroun’s first-ever appearance in Division 1, played amid a big-game atmosphere — but reality hit quickly. The pace, intensity, and shooting precision at this level can sting for any newcomer still adjusting and missing a complete foreign lineup.
Match Summary
Sagesse came out firing, leading 34–12 after the first quarter while smothering every inbound play. The second quarter was Batroun’s best stretch, edged 26–25 by the Greens, with the halftime score at 60–37. The restart changed nothing — 85–55 after thirty minutes, and 108–65 at the buzzer — a +43 win and the impression of a perfectly oiled machine.
Context and Coaching Choices
Batroun started with an all-Lebanese five, as American Anthony Fairley only joined the action in the second quarter, Ramon Galloway’s paperwork was still pending, and the third foreign player had yet to sign. On the other side, Ghattas managed his rotations carefully, limiting minutes for his imports to give locals more playing time and widen his options ahead of tougher matchups.
Players of the Game
In his debut in green, Makur Maker set the tone: 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks — top scorer and rebounder of the day. Youssef Khayat was on fire from everywhere, adding 21 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Erick Green contributed 19 points and 5 rebounds, while Gerard Hadidian and Marc Khoury both added 11 points and 4 rebounds. Running the show, Tony Carr dished a league-best 12 assists, along with 5 rebounds and 4 points. The numbers tell the story — the Greens dominated all major individual categories: scoring, rebounds, and assists.
Batroun’s Response
Anthony Fairley led his team with 16 points and 4 rebounds. Andrew Kopali followed with 14, William Swan added 10 points and 4 rebounds, and Mohamad El-Malla chipped in 9. Malek Hejazi posted a well-rounded stat line — 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists — while Ghassan Hadayed added 7 rebounds and 4 points. Despite the scoreline, Batroun showed effort, energy, and some promising sequences — hints of a sharper identity once their full foreign unit is in place.
Greens in Control
Beyond the score, Sagesse checked every box: fast start, bench depth, clear hierarchy, and room for growth. Batroun, meanwhile, got a first real taste of Division 1 basketball and some valuable lessons before reinforcements arrive.
Overall, this opening round sent a clear message: the league’s heavyweights are already firing on all cylinders and have taken the early lead — though the upcoming head-to-head clashes will truly reveal where the balance of power lies.
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