- 14:05
A frustrating start for Sagesse in the West Asia Super League: in front of its home crowd, the Lebanese club fell 97–92 to Shahrdari Gorgan after an ice-cold Iranian money time. Meanwhile, all eyes turn to Manara: the defending champion, Riyadi, hosts Al Wahda today at 5:45 p.m. to launch its quest for a four-peat.
The script had everything to ignite Ghazir. Trailing 75–68 at the start of the fourth quarter, “the Greens” clawed back and even took the lead 84–81 with 3:36 left, fueled by Paris Bass’ activity, Tony Carr’s playmaking, and Youssef “Yoyo” Khayat’s shooting. But Gorgan didn’t panic: Mobin Sheikhi drilled a deep dagger that put the Iranians ahead for good, and Amirhossein Yazarloo closed an 8–0 run from the free-throw line (89–84, 1:41). Sagesse came back within one possession (95–92) on a Khayat triple before Jordan Hamilton sealed it at the line with 6.3 seconds left. Quarter scores for the winner: 26–29, 24–16, 23–22, 24–25.
The stat sheet
Jordan Hamilton delivered a complete line (19 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks). Amirhossein Yazarloo added 17 points and 5 rebounds; his brother Nosratollah came off the bench with 16; Sheikhi posted 13 points and 6 assists; Mohammad Hassanzadeh added 9 points and 7 rebounds.
Opposite them, the trio of Khayat (20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals), Tony Carr (20 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists), and Paris Bass (20 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks) all reached 20. Erick Green (11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists) and Gerard Haddidian (9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks) rounded things out.
The key: rebounding and details
Sagesse finished with 36 rebounds (26 defensive, 10 offensive), 18 assists, 9 steals, 5 blocks, 9 turnovers, 23/35 free throws and 5/16 from deep.
Gorgan dominated inside, especially on the offensive glass (41 total rebounds announced, including 19 offensive), with 23 assists, 6 steals, 4 blocks, 14 turnovers, 18/23 free throws, and 11/32 from three.
The difference lies there: second-chance points surrendered, and a 60- to 90-second meltdown in the final stretch. Brutal at this level.
A dip… that keeps lasting
The loss is even more bitter considering the context: Gorgan played with only two foreigners – one of them leaving early in the third quarter – while Sagesse had three imports but lacked defensive cohesion in the first half and offensive execution in the final two minutes. And the drought continues: it has been nearly two decades since “the Greens” last beat an Iranian team in a regional competition.
Not everything was negative: strong transition play, good penetration in the half court, and an already impactful Khayat. But they must secure secondary rebounds, manage “smart fouls” better, and avoid momentum-killing lapses that can flip a WASL game in seconds. The work ahead is clear, and the margin is there.
Next stop: Manara
Now comes the champion: Riyadi Beirut tips off today, Thursday at 5:45 p.m. at Saeb Salam Arena (Manara), against Al Wahda. First step in a season where the Yellow Castle aims to defend its crown without Wael Arakji—while Sagesse will need to quickly turn its promising stretches into tangible wins.
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