Lebanon dominates Bahrain, secures top spot in Fiba Asia group

Sergio El Darwich

LEBANON stayed unbeaten in Group D, taking down hosts Bahrain, 102-87, in the 2021 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers on Saturday at Khalifa Sport City in Manama. Sergio El Darwich (193-G-96, college: Maine) had 19 points on 3-of-6 clip from rainbow country, while also making seven rebounds, five assists, and five steals as Lebanon locked up the top seed in its bracket. Both Lebanon and Bahrain are already qualified for the continental tilt in Indonesia in August. Gerard Hadidian (201-F-95, college: Lake Land, agency: BIG) had a double-double with 18 points and 13 boards as Lebanon improved to 5-0. Ezzeddine Karim Raphael chipped in 17 points, six rebounds, and two steals, Ali Mansour (185-G-98, agency: BIG) got 16 points, four assists, and three boards, and Karim Zeinoun (188-G-99, agency: BIG) had 14 points, four steals, two boards, and two dimes for Lebanon. It was a defensive masterpiece for Lebanon, forcing Bahrain to commit 27 turnovers while turning it to 36 points in its favor. The Lebanese also controlled the paint, scoring 60 points in the shaded lane while grabbing 16 offensive boards and converting it to 11 second chance points. Mohamed Hasan (176-PG-95) carried Bahrain (3-2) with 20 points on 4-of-6 shooting from threes, as well as three rebounds, while Mohamed Ebrahim (185-G-87) and Mohamed Kawaid (G-89) both scored 13 in the defeat as naturalized center Chester Giles (211-C-85, college: Oregon St.) was held scoreless in 10 minutes of play.
Courtesy of: spin.ph



Tags : SERGIO EL DARWICH, CHAMPVILLE, LEBANESE BASKETBALL