Sagesse and Riyadi brilliantly qualify for the semi-finals of the WASL Super League in Lusail (Qatar).
Sagesse and Riyadi held their ground firmly until the end in the “Final 8” of the WASL Super League, held in Lusail. Sagesse secured a convincing victory (103-89) over Kazakhstan’s Astana, before Riyadi triumphed over Bahrain’s Manama in the evening (77-68). As a result, both Lebanese basketball giants advanced to the tournament’s final four.
Quick Start for the Greens
Sagesse started the match strongly with their usual lineup of Jonathan Gibson, Omar Jamaleddine, Ahmad Ibrahim, Karim Ezzedine, and Nikola Rakocevic. Jonathan Gibson particularly shone with his spectacular three-point shots (7 out of 12 in the game, or 58%). Astana’s defense could not stop him, and the first quarter ended with a score of 29-22.
Ahmad Ibrahim’s Big Day
Ahmad Ibrahim delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 23 points after several games without registering on the scoreboard. He demonstrated that he is one of the most significant talents thanks to his physical power in offensive drives. Ibrahim put on a solid show in the second quarter, alternating between shots and drives, challenging the Kazakhs and drawing numerous fouls. By halftime, the score was 50-45.
A Defensive Quarter
Sagesse played their best defensive quarter of the season, limiting Astana to only 12 points. This solid defense allowed for easy counterattacks led by Gibson and Early, helping the Green team impose their control over the game. The third quarter ended with a score of 79-56 in favor of the Greens.
Green Tide
The Greens maintained their impressive performance in the final quarter, flooding the Kazakh basket with three-point shots (16 successful shots in the game). Jad El-Haj’s men continued their demonstration to finish the game with a score of 103-89. This victory places Sagesse in the final four, just one game away from the dream final, which could lead to a new derby for the 13th time this season.
Riyadi’s Easy Win
Meanwhile, Riyadi easily defeated (77-68) Bahrain’s Manama in a match without real stakes, as the Yellows were already assured of the group’s top spot. The Beirut club will face familiar opponents, the Iranians of Gorgan, on Friday. But that is another story.
