Lebanon’s Al Riyadi Crowned FIBA WASL Champions

Doha: Lebanese Al Riyadi Beirut SC ruled the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) 2024, which is hosted by the State of Qatar, following an 100-90 overtime win over Lebanese Sagesse SC in the Final, Saturday at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall. Outstanding performances from Wael Arakji and Thon Maker enabled the reigning two-time West Asia League champions to cement their status as champions of the region. Maker finished with 35 points and 15 rebounds, while Arakji delivered 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists as the two took turns in lifting Al Riyadi from a nine-point deficit early in regulation to eventually own yet another chapter of the famed Beirut Derby. Arakji nailed 3 straight 3-pointers to tie the game at 79-all and send the game into an extra period, before Maker nailed the dagger trey with 37.0 seconds left to play to seal the deal. Amir Saoud had 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. Karim Zeinoun supplied 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists as the two guards came through in OT. Veteran big man E lmedin Kikanovic made his presence felt as well with 11 points and 9 rebounds. On the other hand, Cleanthony Early had 25 points and 10 rebounds while Jonathan Gibson made 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists to lead Sagesse in the loss. Defending champions of the Lebanese Basketball Championship, Al Riyadi are the first team to win a FIBA WASL double crown, having won the West Asia Sub-Zone League as well. By winning the pan-regional competition, Al Riyadi have earned their ticket to the inaugural Basketball Champions League Asia (BCL Asia) on June 9-15 in Dubai, UAE. They will be carrying the FIBA WASL flag together with Shahrdary Gorgan, who finished third in the meet after beating Kuwait Club in the Third-Place Game, 92-76. Source: Qatar News Agency