LBL Round 14 (Regular Season): Derby game ends with Al Riyadi's defeat of Homentmen

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute surprises and upsets. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Beirut: Al Riyadi (#1) and Homentmen (#5). Homentmen was smashed at home by 27 points 81-108 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Homentmen. Al Riyadi made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American Manny Harris (197-1989, college: Michigan, agency: Slash Sports) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points and 5 rebounds. International guard Wael Arakji (193-1994) contributed with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Al Riyadi's coach Ahmad Farran felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international point guard Jad Khalil (186-1996) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for Homentmen. Al Riyadi (13-2) have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position. Homentmen at the other side keeps the fifth place with six games lost. Al Riyadi's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Hoops.
Another interesting game was again a derby between two teams from Beirut: Antranik (#6) and Beirut Club (#2). Antranik (7-8) won against visiting Beirut Club (11-4) 97-91. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Beirut Club. Guard Youssef Ghantous (191-1996) scored 24 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and Jamir Coleman chipped in 25 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. American forward Tyree Corbett (201-2000, college: Denver) responded with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 18 rebounds. Antranik maintains sixth position with 7-8 record. Beirut Club at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. They share the position with Sagesse. Antranik will play against bottom-ranked Mayrouba (#10) on the road in the next round. Beirut Club's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Homentmen.
An interesting game for Al Riyadi (13-2) which hosted in Beirut 4th ranked Champville (10-5). First ranked Al Riyadi managed to get a 6-point victory 89-83. Wael Arakji notched 20 points and 6 assists to lead the effort. Even 22 points and 6 assists by Javion Blake did not help to save the game for Champville. Al Riyadi have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 13-2 record. Loser Champville keeps the fourth place with five games lost. Al Riyadi's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Hoops.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 14: Sagesse beat Mayrouba on the road 82-80. Hoops lost to Champville on its own court 64-69. Bottom-ranked Mayrouba unfortunately lost to Antonine in a road game 96-112. Sagesse rolled over NSA at home 100-58.
The most impressive performance of 14th round was 17 points, 14 rebounds and 8 blocks by Deng Acuoth of Sagesse.



Al Riyadi - Champville 89-83

An interesting game for Al Riyadi (13-2) which hosted in Beirut 4th ranked Champville (10-5). First ranked Al Riyadi managed to get a 6-point victory 89-83. Al Riyadi looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. International guard Wael Arakji (193-1994) notched 20 points and 6 assists to lead the effort and Bosnian center Elmedin Kikanovic (211-1988) supported him with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Even 22 points and 6 assists by American-Syrian guard Javion Blake (191-1997, college: Washburn, agency: Haylett Sports) did not help to save the game for Champville. American forward Jamel Artis (201-1993, college: Pittsburgh, agency: BIG) added 19 points and 5 assists for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Al Riyadi have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 13-2 record. Loser Champville keeps the fourth place with five games lost. Al Riyadi's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Hoops.
Top scorers:
Al Riyadi: W.Arakji 20+3reb+6ast, E.Kikanovic 13+8reb, K.Zeinoun 11+3reb+4ast, S.Sakakini 11+7reb, A.Ismail 9+4reb+2ast, M.Harris 9+3reb+1ast
Champville: J.Blake 22+4reb+6ast, J.Artis 19+2reb+5ast, E.Rustom 16+3reb+3ast, P.Abboud 14+6reb+1ast, I.Thomas 9+10reb+3ast, M.Lomayo 3+1reb

Mayrouba - Sagesse 80-82

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Sagesse (11-4) edged on the road bottom-ranked Mayrouba (1-14) 82-80 on Sunday. South Sudanese-Australian center Deng Acuoth (208-1996) notched a double-double by scoring 13 points and 14 rebounds to lead the effort and American point guard Jonathan Gibson (188-1987, college: NM State) supported him with 16 points and 4 assists. Sagesse's coach Jad El Hajj used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Even 17 points and 9 rebounds by American-New Zealand forward Marcel Jones (203-1985, college: Oregon St.) did not help to save the game for Mayrouba. The former international swingman Christophe Khalil (192-1999) added 19 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Five Sagesse and four Mayrouba players scored in double figures. Sagesse moved-up to second place, which they share with Beirut Club. Mayrouba lost thirteenth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom position with 14 games lost. Sagesse will meet Champville (#4) in the next round. Mayrouba will play against Antranik (#6) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Sagesse: A.Abdel Massih 16+3reb+3ast, J.Gibson 16+3reb+4ast, A.Deng 13+14reb, R.Slimane 12+3reb+7ast, O.Jamaleddine 12+8reb, M.Khoueiry 8+3reb+2ast
Mayrouba: K.Christophe 19+8reb+1ast, M.Jones 17+9reb+2ast, V.Lewis II 17+3reb+4ast, A.Samra Joseph 11+2reb+4ast, J.Assi 9+2reb+1ast, E.Ayoubi Refaat 7+12reb+2ast

Homentmen - Al Riyadi 81-108

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Beirut: Al Riyadi (#1) and Homentmen (#5). Homentmen was smashed at home by 27 points 81-108 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Homentmen. Al Riyadi made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American Manny Harris (197-1989, college: Michigan, agency: Slash Sports) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points and 5 rebounds. International guard Wael Arakji (193-1994) contributed with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Al Riyadi's coach Ahmad Farran felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international point guard Jad Khalil (186-1996) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and American forward Dewayne Jackson (203-1990, college: Morgan St.) added 16 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Homentmen. Four Homentmen players scored in double figures. Al Riyadi (13-2) have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position. Homentmen at the other side keeps the fifth place with six games lost. Al Riyadi's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Hoops.
Top scorers:
Al Riyadi: M.Harris 24+5reb+2ast, A.Saoud 17+2reb+1ast, K.Zeinoun 14+1reb+1ast, E.Kikanovic 12+3reb, W.Arakji 12+5reb+5ast, B.Tabbara 8+1reb+1ast
Homentmen: G.Hadidian 20+4reb, D.Jackson 16+10reb+3ast, J.Khalil 16+10reb+5ast, Z.Lofton 16+5reb+1ast, A.Tanios 6+5reb, K.Kevork 3

Hoops - Champville 64-69

Very expected game when 9th ranked Hoops (3-12) lost to fourth ranked Champville (10-5) in Beirut 64-69 on Monday. American-Syrian guard Javion Blake (191-1997, college: Washburn, agency: Haylett Sports) notched 29 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and Senegalese forward Ibrahima Thomas (213-1987, college: Cincinnati, agency: BIG) supported him with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Even a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds by American forward Shawn Foxbrennen (201-1996, college: FVSU) did not help to save the game for Hoops. International swingman Mark Al-Khoury (196-1998) added 18 points and 11 rebounds for the hosts. Hoops' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Champville maintains fourth position with 10-5 record. Loser Hoops keep the ninth place with 12 games lost. Champville will meet at home higher ranked Sagesse (#3) in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Hoops' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beirut to the arena Al Riyadi.
Top scorers:
Champville: J.Blake 29+6reb+5ast, I.Thomas 14+14reb+1ast, J.Artis 7+4ast, P.Abboud 7+10reb, J.Aby Khers 5+5reb+1ast, E.Rustom 3+2reb+1ast
Hoops: M.Al-Khoury 18+11reb, S.Foxbrennen 17+14reb, B.Griffin 15+4reb+4ast, S.Abed 5+1ast, D.Okeke 3+13reb+1ast, I.Haddad 3+2reb

Antranik - Beirut Club 97-91

Another interesting game was again a derby between two teams from Beirut: Antranik (#6) and Beirut Club (#2). Antranik (7-8) won against visiting Beirut Club (11-4) 97-91. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Beirut Club. Antranik forced 21 Beirut Club turnovers. Strangely Beirut Club outrebounded Antranik 45-29 including a 20-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. Beirut Club was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Guard Youssef Ghantous (191-1996) scored 24 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and American forward Jamir Coleman (201-1997, college: CCSU, agency: Haylett Sports) chipped in 25 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Antranik players scored in double figures. American forward Tyree Corbett (201-2000, college: Denver) responded with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 18 rebounds and the former international power forward Mohamad Haidar (203-1990, college: Michigan Tech) scored 23 points and 6 rebounds. Antranik maintains sixth position with 7-8 record. Beirut Club at the other side keeps the second place with four games lost. They share the position with Sagesse. Antranik will play against bottom-ranked Mayrouba (#10) on the road in the next round. Beirut Club's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Homentmen.
Top scorers:
Antranik: J.Coleman 25+6reb, Y.Ghantous 24+6reb+2ast, C.Harvey 20+2reb+4ast, S.Alaaeddine 15+5reb+2ast, J.Bruner 5+9reb+4ast, A.Kopaly 5
Beirut Club: T.Corbett 30+18reb+1ast, M.Haidar 23+6reb+2ast, J.Jarrouge 11+3reb, C.Alexander 9+3reb, S.El Darwich 8+6reb+12ast, L.Mallory 8+5reb+1ast

Antonine - Mayrouba 112-96

Rather predictable result when seventh ranked Antonine (6-9) won against at home bottom-ranked Mayrouba (1-14) 112-96 on Monday. Antonine made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Azerbaijani-American guard Jordan Davis (188-1997, college: N.Colorado) notched 41 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and Dominican Luis Montero (203-1993, college: South Plains) supported him with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Even a double-double of 25 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists by the former international swingman Christophe Khalil (192-1999) did not help to save the game for Mayrouba. American-New Zealand forward Marcel Jones (203-1985, college: Oregon St.) added 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Newly promoted Antonine maintains seventh position with 6-9 record. Mayrouba lost thirteenth consecutive game. Mayrouba at the other side, also newcomer in the league, stay at the bottom place with 14 games lost. Antonine will meet NSA (#8) in the next round. Mayrouba will play against Antranik and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Antonine: J.Davis 41+5reb+6ast, A.Anthony 17+3reb+4ast, L.Montero 15+9reb+6ast, J.Makhlouf 13+6reb+1ast, M.Bryan 11+3reb+7ast, B.Elie 8+3reb+1ast
Mayrouba: K.Christophe 25+13reb+5ast, A.Samra Joseph 20+3reb+3ast, M.Akec 19+7reb, M.Jones 15+10reb+6ast, V.Lewis II 14+2reb+2ast, J.Assi 3+1reb

Sagesse - NSA 100-58

Not a big story in a game when 8th ranked NSA (4-11) was outscored by third ranked Sagesse (11-4) in Beirut 100-58 on Sunday. Sagesse dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to NSA's 30. Sagesse had a 32-20 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by NSA's players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Sagesse made 11 blocks. South Sudanese-Australian center Deng Acuoth (208-1996) notched a double-double by scoring 17 points, 14 rebounds and 8 blocks (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and American point guard Jonathan Gibson (188-1987, college: NM State) supported him with 23 points and 4 assists. Four Sagesse players scored in double figures. Coach Jad El Hajj's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Even a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds by American-Palestinian forward Calvin Godfrey (204-1990, college: Memphis) did not help to save the game for NSA. American Derick Newton (198-1995, college: Stetson) added 14 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the guests. Sagesse moved-up to second place, which they share with Beirut Club. Newly promoted NSA keeps the eighth position with 11 games lost. Sagesse will meet Champville (#4) in the next round. NSA will play against Antonine (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sagesse: J.Gibson 23+4reb+4ast, A.Deng 17+14reb+3ast, K.Ezzeddine 13+4reb+2ast, A.Ibrahim 10+4reb+2ast, O.Jamaleddine 9+4reb+5ast, M.Khoueiry 9+3reb+4ast
NSA: B.Wesley 17+6reb+1ast, C.Godfrey 17+10reb+2ast, D.Newton 14+10reb+4ast, N.Souaid 9+3reb+1ast, J.Zaloum 1+2reb, A.Charbel 0