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Al-Riyadi Qualifies for the Semifinals of the Asian Clubs Championship After Defeating Shabab Al-Ahli

Al-Riyadi Qualifies for the Semifinals of the Asian Clubs Championship After Defeating Shabab Al-Ahli

The Al-Riyadi Club, the champion of Lebanon, successfully continued its journey in the Asian Basketball Champions League after a well-deserved victory against the host club, Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, with a 14-point margin, ending the match 102-88 in the first group stage of the tournament, which is hosted at the Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Hall until June 15 in Dubai. Both teams had won their first match against NS MATRIX DEERS from Malaysia and Liaoning from China, making this victory a gateway to qualifying for the semifinals.

Al-Riyadi started the game strongly, leading 7-0 at the beginning of the first quarter before the players of Shabab Al-Ahli gradually returned to the game thanks to the outstanding performances of their foreign duo, Pointer and Travin, who gave Shabab Al-Ahli a lead in the final minutes of the first quarter, ending it 29-19. This offensive lapse from the yellow team forced coach Fran to call a timeout to regain the team's rhythm. The Lebanese champion managed to finish the first quarter trailing by 7 points, with a score of 22-29.

In the second quarter, both teams exchanged baskets, with improved offensive play from Al-Riyadi as they returned to team play instead of relying on individual performances and successfully implemented man-to-man defense during the first half of the quarter, complicating the Emirati team's offensive efforts. The Lebanese champion continued their dominance of the second quarter, finishing it ahead by 2 points, 51-49.

In the third quarter, both teams continued to exchange three-pointers, with a standout performance from Al-Riyadi's star player Wael Arakji and Travin from Shabab Al-Ahli. As the third quarter neared its end, coach Fran introduced the giant duo of Maiker and Kikanovic, who managed to close the basket against the host’s attacks. Bilal Tabbara contributed a three-pointer that extended Al-Riyadi's lead and ignited the enthusiasm of the yellow club's fans, filling the green stands of Shabab Al-Ahli. At the end of the third quarter, Al-Riyadi led by 13 points, 74-61.

In the fourth quarter, Al-Riyadi maintained a comfortable lead with a stellar performance from American Zach Lathon, who bombarded the hosts’ basket with lethal three-pointers, prompting coach Zarida to call a timeout to allow his players to catch their breath against the yellow storm. Al-Riyadi managed to finish the game in their favor, achieving their second consecutive victory and thereby significantly securing qualification to the semifinals. Wael Arakji scored 26 points and Zack Lathon added 18 points for Al-Riyadi.

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