Riyadi, undefeated since the start of the Asia Club Championship (BCL Asia) held in Dubai, added another victory to their series on Wednesday. The Yellow team easily dominated the Matrix Deers (Malaysia) in the third match of the first round. The score of 108 to 88 reflects the nature of the game, with Al Riyadi being a cut above.
After a more than successful start against LN Leopards (118-75), followed by a victory against Shabab Al Ahli (102-88), Al Riyadi continues its cruise through the Asia Club Championship in Dubai. On Wednesday, Wael Arakji and his teammates dominated the Malaysian Matrix Deers (108-88) without having to push their limits. Al Riyadi finished the group phase of BCL Asia 2024 as the only undefeated club and will be the team to beat in the final four.
Against Matrix, the Yellow team led from start to finish, at one point building up a 37-point lead. They were impressive from three-point range, hitting 17 out of 33 attempts, tying the record for the most three-pointers made in a game in this competition, set by the Hiroshima Dragonflies. They have now scored over 100 points in each of their three games.
Gyokchyan and Lofton at the Top
It was a showdown between Hayk Gyokchyan (21 points, 5 three-pointers) and Zach Lofton (26 points, 6 three-pointers). The many Lebanese fans in the stands got their money’s worth. The show was on as the Yellow team was at the top of their game. Lofton was also generous with the ball, dishing out 8 assists, though he was outdone by Karim Zeinoun (10 assists) in that department.
Al Riyadi had already secured the top spot in Group A before this game, but that didn’t stop them from giving it their all to stay undefeated. On the other hand, John Murray once again put in a remarkable effort (21 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists) for the spirited NS Matrix team, which finished in fourth place in the group.
Shabab Al Ahli Also Qualified
The hosts dominated the Liaoning Flying Leopards (China) 97-65 in a crucial match to secure the last spot in the BCL Asia 2024 semi-finals. An early 14-0 run by Shabab Al Ahli practically sealed their fate among the final four teams in the competition, as the CBA champions were unable to mount a comeback.
Travin Thibodeaux flirted with a triple-double, scoring 20 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists. Meanwhile, Qais Omar Alshabebi recorded a double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds, leading the team in both categories. Marcus Georges-Hunt also had an impressive performance with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Cong Mingchen scored 16 points for the Flying Leopards. In the semi-finals, Shabab Al Ahli will face the Iranians of Gorgan. But all eyes will be on the second semi-final, which will see Al Riyadi take on the Chinese Hiroshima Dragonflies. Can the Lebanese club overcome the Chinese wall and confirm their status as favorites in this competition? The answer will come on Friday starting at 5:30 PM.
